Florida State Capitol

Tallahassee
 
     
 
 

 
Completed: 1977
Architect: Edward Durell Stone

Photos: Robert Deering 4/17/2015

Florida's new Capitol building has a rich ancestry, which began in 1824 with the establishment of Tallahassee as the new capitol city. As Florida's population has continued to grow, so has its need for government services. The New Capitol symbolizes the growth and development of Florida. The Capitol Complex, located in downtown Tallahassee, provides a dignified and serviceable headquarters for state government. The Capitol is the twenty-two story building. It is home to Florida's Executive and Legislative branches. Other building at the Capitol Complex include the two four story office buildings for the House of Representatives and Senate as well as the Historic Capitol and Knott Building.

ADMITTED TO THE UNION: 1845

ORIGIN OF STATE NAME: Named on Easter 1513 by Ponce de Leon for Pascua Florida, meaning "Flowery Easter"

COUNTIES: 67

STATE MOTTO: In God We Trust

1885 PREAMBLE: We, the people of the State of Florida, grateful to Almighty God for our constitutional liberty, establish this Constitution...

LOCATION:  400 South Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL


 


Old Capitol Building

Tallahassee
 
     
 
 
 
Completed: 1845
Architect: Carry Butt

Photos: Robert Deering 4/17/2015

Tallahassee was named Florida's capital in 1824, midway between the then-largest cities in the state, St. Augustine and Pensacola. The first territorial government met in log cabins. A capitol building was constructed in 1826 but never completely finished. It was torn down in 1839 to make room for the erection of the present structure, which was completed in 1845, just prior to Florida’s entry into the United States as the 27th state. Several additions to the historic capitol have been made throughout the years. Frank Millburn made the first expansion in 1902 by adding the classical style dome. In 1923, Henry Klutho additions included two new wings and a marble interior. Finally large wings for the House and Senate chambers were added to the north and south ends of the building in 1936 and 1947, respectively.

The new capitol building was completed in 1977 and the 1845 structure was restored to its 1902 appearance and now serves as a museum.  Architectural highlights include the elaborate art glass dome, red and white striped awnings, and a representation of the Florida State Seal over the entry columns.

LOCATION:  400 South Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL