History of Time Period
In 1821 Spain relinquished control of Florida and the United States sent Andrew Jackson to be the military Governor. Tallahassee was deserted at that time, but after two years it was decreed that a central location be found for the capital of the new territory. The commissioners decided on the beautiful spot with rolling hills and fertile land which is now Tallahassee, and the first settlers arrived April 9, 1824. More people came from far and wide and the new capital grew. Tallahassee flourished with plantations, schools, banks, merchants, transportation, and legislators. . . . thus, began a very long-lasting love affair.
The people of Florida agreed to undertake the responsibilities of statehood in 1837. On January 11, 1839, the constitution was adopted and sent to congress for admission into the union. It was a long wait, but on March 3, 1845, Florida became the 27th State with a population of 66,500. It was here the American dream flourished.
The Ordinance of Secession was signed at Tallahassee on January 11, 1861. Many great leaders of the state were opposed to the war but were Southerners first and fought with the homeland. At Natural Bridge a small group of old men and cadets from West Florida Seminary (now Florida State University) successfully defended the capital against attack. It was this heroic effort that distinguished Tallahassee as the only Southern Capital east of the Mississippi River not to fall to the Union Army. Only two months later, the union leaders returned in victory and raised the Stars and Stripes again over the Capitol and sent couriers into the countryside to advise the slaves they were now free. Tallahassee’s main industries were State Government, agriculture, and education. The economy was sound, and by the end of the century Tallahassee stood on a firm foundation.
War & Reconstruction Krewe Chief- Lee Hudson
