Celebrating America 250: A Journey Through Tallahassee History

America 250: The Historical Road Trip Through Tallahassee

America250FL is an invitation to every Floridian to celebrate the 250th (semiquincentennial) anniversary of our nation’s founding. As we journey toward July 4, 2026, it is the perfect time to reflect on the unique and influential role that Florida—and specifically its Capital City—played in the establishment of our country.

From 17th-century Spanish missions to landmarks celebrating Black excellence and resilience, Tallahassee-Leon County offers a dense concentration of history you can’t find anywhere else.

Whether you are a history buff or just looking to connect with the past, here is your guide to the 7 must-visit stops on the America 250 tour in and around Tallahassee.

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1. The John G. Riley House

A testament to resilience and Black excellence.

Located in downtown Tallahassee, this house stands as the last surviving structure of the Smokey Hollow neighborhood, a once-thriving Black community.

The History: Built circa 1890, the home was occupied by John Gilmore Riley, a former enslaved man who became an educator, civic leader, and real estate entrepreneur. It reflects Black progress during Reconstruction and segregation. Riley became principal of Lincoln Academy, Tallahassee’s first local high school for African Americans, in 1892 and served until retiring in 1926. Today, the property is a living testament to the resilience and leadership of African Americans in Florida’s capital.

• Plan Your Visit: Located at 419 E Jefferson St. It is now a museum and cultural center.

• Don’t Miss: The “Smokey Hollow” commemoration just across the street in Cascades Park, which features “spirit houses” outlining where other homes once stood.

2. Florida’s Historic Capitol

Where Florida became a state.

No trip to the Capital City is complete without standing at the intersection of the past and present. Leon County showcases its political heritage through the striking contrast of the Historic and New Capitol Complex.

The History: The Historic Capitol, built in 1845 and recently restored to its 1902 appearance, features period furnishings, legislative chambers, and exhibits on Florida’s political history. The adjacent New Capitol, completed in 1977, stands as a modern 22-story tower. Together, they represent the evolution of Florida’s governance, blending antebellum charm with contemporary architecture. Visitors can explore self-guided tours, historical displays, and the vibrant Capitol Complex, a hub of state pride and history.

• Pro Tip: Take the elevator to the 22nd floor of the New Capitol for the best panoramic view of the city.

3. Mission San Luis

The western capital of Spanish Florida.

Before Tallahassee was the state capital, it was a colonial capital. Mission San Luis is a vivid window into the 17th century.

The History: From 1656 to 1704, the site served as the western capital of Florida’s Spanish mission system. Today, MSL is open to the public and offers educational programming on the Spanish and Apalachee people who lived at San Luis. Beginning in the 1980s, state archaeologists conducted excavations that uncovered artifacts helping to tell the site’s story. Among the most significant discoveries were the remains of Spanish and Apalachee structures on the site, including the massive Council House, the Church, and the Fort.

• Plan Your Visit: Located at 2100 W Tennessee St. This is a “living history” museum featuring costumed interpreters.

• Don’t Miss: The reconstructed Council House, which is one of the largest thatch-roofed structures in the Southeast.

4. Florida State University (West Florida Seminary)

A legacy of learning.

The stunning brick campus of FSU isn’t just a place of higher learning; it is a historic site that predates the Civil War.

The History: First established as the West Florida Seminary in 1851, present-day Florida State University became the Florida State College for Women following the passage of the Buckman Act in 1905. In 1947, the campus became coeducational to support the education of returning WWII veterans and was renamed Florida State University. Today, Florida State continues to thrive, excelling in academics and athletics alike.

• Plan Your Visit: Located at 222 S Copeland St.

• Photo Op: The Westcott Fountain is one of the most photographed spots in Tallahassee and sits on the site of the original seminary.

5. Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park

The site that saved the Capital.

Hidden away in the woods south of Tallahassee lies the site of a pivotal Civil War clash.

The History: Fought on March 6, 1865, along a natural limestone bridge over the St. Marks River, this battle saw Confederate soldiers—including Florida Military School cadets—successfully repel Union forces led by Brig. Gen. John Newton. The victory preserved Tallahassee as the only Confederate state capital east of the Mississippi River not captured by Union troops. Today, the park hosts an annual reenactment featuring local interpreters for both the Union Army and the Confederacy.

• Plan Your Visit: Located at 7502 Natural Bridge Rd. The park offers picnic areas and year-round trails.

• Pro Tip: Visit in early March to catch the annual battle reenactment.

6. Wakulla Springs State Park

Ancient history and Old Florida charm.

Just a short drive south of Tallahassee, history goes back much further than 250 years.

The History: Wakulla County is home to one of the world’s largest and deepest freshwater springs. Wakulla Springs is a place where history stretches back thousands of years, from early Native Americans who lived in shoreline villages to filmmakers who recognized the primeval quality of the park’s swamps for movies like Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954). Today, visitors can swim where mastodons once roamed and take guided boat tours. The preserved area also includes a 1930s Spanish-style lodge lined with period furniture and colorful painted ceilings.

• Plan Your Visit: Located at 465 Wakulla Park Dr in Wakulla Springs. The park features a lodge, swimming area, and river boat tours.

• Don’t Miss: The Jungle Cruise boat tour, which offers a close-up look at alligators, manatees, and birdlife.

7. San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park

A fortress at the water’s edge.

Located at the confluence of the Wakulla and St. Marks Rivers, this site has seen more flags fly over it than almost any other in Florida.

The History: Originating as a Spanish fort in 1679, the site later passed to British, U.S., and Confederate control, becoming Fort Ward during the Civil War. It housed a Marine hospital, endured sieges, and witnessed the 1865 Battle of Natural Bridge. Today, its ruins and reconstructed museum offer a rare, layered glimpse into colonial ambition and military conflict.

• Plan Your Visit: Located at 148 Old Fort Rd in St. Marks. The site features museum exhibits and scenic trails along the water, and it is about a 30-minute drive from downtown Tallahassee.

• Pro Tip: After exploring the fort, grab fresh local seafood at one of the waterfront restaurants in the town of St. Marks.

Join the Celebration

As we approach America’s 250th birthday, there is no better time to explore the roots of our region. Whether you are walking the halls of the Historic Capitol or hiking the trails at San Marcos de Apalache, you are walking through the chapters of the American story.

Start planning your historical getaway at VisitTallahassee.com.