TOURING DOWNTOWN TALLAHASSEE
Visit Tallahassee, operates as a department of Leon County government. it promotes tourism to the area, and is the creator of several really great brochures that involve you in the history, culture, and government of our area. They publish a walking guide to historic downtown that is available at the Tourism office on Jefferson Street. They begin by asking you to put on your walking shoes, and get ready to step back in time as you wander through our streets. Our grid street system was created back when we were named the capital of Florida. Our downtown basically covers about one-quarter square mile. It has some public square interspered with buildings. The central square was the site of the Capital, and four other squares provided open green space. Business places were on Monroe St. from Park Ave. to Pensacola St. Adams Street was the site of Rascal Yard, the city market. Fires that often took out whole blocks of wooden buildings, changed the building codes of the city. New buildings along Monroe Street had to be built of brick. Many are still in use today, and beautifully kept up.
The walking tour starts with the New Capitol, which is 345 feet tall, and has an observation tower on its 22nd floor. You can find self-guided brochures at the Tallahassee Visitor Center, and the Florida Welcome Center inside the New Capitol Bldg. Walk across the plaza and enter the Historic Capitol which was built in 1845, and in 2011 had its "Coppertop" refurbished, replaced. There are self-guided maps available at the information desk, or, if a volunteer is available, you could request a guided tour. Don't forget to marvel at the creative glass dome. If you visit during the winter holidays, local middle and high school choirs could serenade you during the noon hour.
The Union Bank is on Apalachee Parkway, and has significant history. Masonic Hall, on South Adams Street that now houses the Governor's Club. it was originally built to house the Masons. The Supreme Court Building on Duval Street features art exhibitions on the second floor. Guided and self-guided tours are available. The Museum of Florida History, Bronough Street not only provides us with fascinating exhibits about our state, but also has on the grounds our World War II Memorial, and sculptures of the Native American tribes in Florida.
The Park Avenue Historic District features not only the Old City Cemetery, but also the St. John's Episcopal Cemetery.While wandering the parks try to visit the Old US Courthouse, which was built with Works Progress Administration funds and manpower. It was built originally to house the US Post Office along with the Courthouse. Today, it is the Bankruptcy Court. Inside you'll find murals painted during the WPA's Artist offerings.
You'll pass the B.C. Lewis House, and the Perkins House. St. John's Episcopal Church, built in 1880 after a huge fire destoyed the first church. it has a 12-bell carillon rung by hand. Hopefully, you'll be close around noon time and will hear the carillon being played. They have a self-guided walking tour available at the church office.
North Gadsden Street has several interesting homes, some having been converted to offices, two others acquired by LeMoyne art galleries. While there, wander through the Helen Lind Sculture garden at the rear of the Meginniss-Monroe Home. The Riley House is a must-see, as is the Murphy House. It was occupied by Federal troops during the Reconstruction. The Knott House is a delightful Museum.
There is a map to help you find all the great places noted in the brochure. Do enjoy the walking tour, and if you decide to try it on a Saturday, you can refresh at the Downtown Market Place, on Park Avenue.
