Bicentennial 200

We stand at the edge of a new century. In 2024, our community has an opportunity to celebrate the past through our 200th anniversary while embracing the next 100 years. More than an anniversary, we extend an invitation to residents and visitors alike to join us as we honor our story and the powerful next chapter we are poised to write.

State Government:

The United States signed the Adams-Onís Treaty with Spain on February 22, 1819. The treaty provided for the transfer of Florida from Spain to the United States and established the southern boundary between the U.S. and Mexico. The formal transfer of Florida took place on July 17, 1821.  An exchange of flags  occurred first at St. Augustine on July 10 and then on July 17 at Pensacola.  Andrew Jackson became governor of the newly created Territory of Florida .

Many milestones have happened throughout the years of the City of Tallahassee and Leon County's existence. Let's look back at previous celebrations to commemorate life, perseverance and community. Let's start with the proclamation by then governor Cary A. Hardee 1924.

A Proclamation by the Governor

State Department

"One Hundred Years ago the first Legislative Council convening at Tallahassee marked the establishment of the permanent seat of government for Florida. A century has passed and in the passing years a great commonwealth has been firmly established. The early territorial plant of 1824 has grown into the Century Plant of present. We are rich in material things and we have not been backward in spiritual development. May we not pause for a short season and in retrospect view our glorious past and draw therefrom needed lessons for a more glorious future".

"Therefore, I, Cary A. Hardee, Governor of the state of Florida, do hereby designate November 9-15 as Centennial Week and name and appoint Tallahassee, the Capital, as the place of Centennial celebration".

"In recognition of our gratitude to God whose mercies have preserved and guided us one hundred years and that sacred reverence for Him may mark the beginning of Centennial Week, I would ask that all our Churches arrange appropriate, patriotic and civic services on Sunday, November 9th. Let every citizen participate in these commemorative exercises; that we may renew old friendships and make new ones; that we may recall memories of our State's earlier days; that we may tell anew, as pleasant tales, the historic events of the past while we rejoice in the prosperity of the present and the promises for the future. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and cause to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Florida on this day of August, A.D. 1924".

Cary A. Hardee, Governor

Attest: H. CLAY CRAWFORD, Secretary of State

Sesquicentennial (1974)

The celebration of one hundred and fifty years in Tallahassee / Leon County community (1824-1974) was commemorated during a week long event at a Cascades Park ground breaking ceremony. Participants celebrated with a candle lighting ceremony and a historical pageant. The program boasts of participants and activities held at Tallahassee's Centennial Field in 1974.

The 37th governor the honorable Reubin Askew (elected January 5, 1971) was in office during the Sesquicentennial celebration in 1974. The celebration yielded reenactments of many prominent citizens and pioneering families while showcasing the celebration in jubilant fashion with song and dance.

Magnolia Heights Historic District

"Representing Tallahassee's first twentieth century suburb, the Magnolia Heights Historic District is comprised of 40 buildings primarily dating from 1899 to 1934. Although recent construction of apartment complexes and townhouses have encroached upon the character of the area, enough early building stock remains intact to form a cohesive district visually reflecting the suburb's slow development during a time when Tallahassee inched toward urbanization".

The Frenchtown Community

Myers Park Historic District

The  Myers Park Historic District  is near the remains of Hernando De Soto’s winter encampment (1539-40) in the Apalachee capital of Anhaica, and was the site of the 17th century Spanish mission La Purificación de Tama.

Twentieth century development began in 1926 on the former Houston plantation in Country Club Estates. The planned suburb, with curvilinear streets and irregular lot shapes, is north of Palmer Avenue and between South Meridian Street and Golf Terrace Drive, which overlooked a nine-hole golf course.

Smoky Hollow

" Smoky Hollow ," sometimes spelled "Smokey Hollow," is a colloquial term used by Tallahassee residents to refer to an African American neighborhood situated east of downtown Tallahassee.

The district contains outstanding and rare examples of shotgun and double shotgun forms, which retain their architectural integrity to a high degree.

Calhoun Street Historic District

The  Calhoun Street historic District  is one of the oldest and most important residential neighborhoods in Tallahassee which has survived from the 1840's to the present day.

Park Avenue Historic District

The  Park Avenue Historic District  is significant because it encompasses the oldest continuously used open spaces in the City of Tallahassee, as well as a rich historic panorama f residences, churches, public and commercial structures representative of Tallahassee's development from it's platting in 1825 to 1936.

Farmers markets have been a main staple of the local community. Many markets have come and gone over the years but nonetheless, they have continued to flourish even though the agrarian society gave way to a more industrial economy.

Current day market on Kerry Forest Parkway Tallahassee, FL

Shown below are local residents participating in reenacting historical events and stories. Re-enactors are essential in helping understand historical events. With compelling story telling and period correct clothing, experiencing a living history presentation can be one to remember.

Many of the re-enactors provide a glimpse into their cultural heritage. Seen below are some examples of the diverse cultural tapestry of this local community.

The creation of Tallahassee and Leon County, Florida will be commemorated throughout 2024 with activities, re-enactments, and theatrical readings. The celebration of the two hundred year “Bicentennial” will showcase some patriotism and nostalgia by paying tribute to historical events, cultural heritage, and art.

The planning meetings of the Bicentennial Committee were held in various places throughout the community. Seen below are some of the behind the scenes photos.

The Florida Historic Capitol Museum

1902 Senate Chamber is furnished with thirty-two desks, dividing rail, clock, clerk's desk and Senate President's bench. In 1902 an original desk and chair cost a total of $27.50. In the 1990s these reproduction desks and chairs cost $750 apiece. On the front of each desk is a plaque with the name of the group or individual that donated funds for the desks.