Tallahassee History

Colorized photo looking east from the steps of the Old Capitol, 1870.

The live oaks in town have started dropping their leaves. They do this every year to make way for their new leaves, but you may not realize what a strict schedule they keep. I have been tracking it for several years and here are the days I noted when the leaf drop began.

Some very welcome good news for local conservation, and the protection of an archaeological site that dates from approximately 14,400 years ago, when Paleo Indians living in our area we're still hunting mastodons and mammoths. tallahassee.com/story/life/hom…

Monroe at 5th Avenue, circa 1970. The Raceways store is now Music Masters. Previously it had been used for the A&J Grill and Robinson's printers. The store at far right for many years was Nelson's Music, and is now Bella Bella.

@FL_Ranger That is absolutely correct. To drive west from Tallahassee, you drove up to Havana and then over to Quincy. One reason is the route was initially conceived as part of the "Old Spanish Trail," and in the early 20th century Havana was prosperous and lobbied to be part of the trail.

@TLH_History It always makes me double-take when I'm reminded that 90 used to run up to Havana.

The precursor to the Cottages at Lake Ella was the Tallahassee Auto Court. The buildings at top were located across the street from Lake Ella, where the parking lot for the Golden Corral is now. The buildings at bottom were located along Lake Ella, which can be seen at far right.

@seminoleraider Wouldn't you prefer that the city maintain public ownership rather than selling it to a private entity for $1.25 million?

@TLH_History Would rather have more housing than a golf course downtown but whatever

UNREAL. The city is on the verge of selling 180 acres next to downtown for $1.25 million. The land has been owned by the citizens of Tallahassee for nearly 100 years. It's more than seven times larger than Cascades Park. It is PUBLIC LAND and should not be sold. Speak out now!

@FBNole The country club went bankrupt in the 1930s and the city acquired the land. However, when integration began to raise its head, the city leased the course back to the club to avoid integrating the course. The lease was, and is, $1 per year for 99 years.

@TLH_History Capital City hasn’t always been city owned has it? Growing up in 70s and 80s I thought it was a private country club.

Fairgrounds sunset.

The history of the land that is today the golf course at the Capital City Country Club goes all the way back to 1820s Tallahassee. The subject is rich enough that it feels like too much to tackle in a single thread. I'll try to relate pieces of it over the next few weeks.

The capital city country club golf course is owned by the citizens of Tallahassee. It's nearly 200 acres just outside of downtown. I cannot believe that a majority of the city commission is even entertaining the idea of selling it for just over $1 million. People must speak up.

South Adams Street, 1956.

Tallahassee historian wins a national preservation award. wctv.tv/2025/09/16/tal…

@jakekiker In that case, I would infinitely prefer seeing it become a passive park rather than sold out of the public's control for a pittance.

I’ve not seen the letter or appraisal, but would guess it was likely a “Value-in-Use” Appraisal (that is limited only to considering the current use, not highest and best or alternative uses). Given the costs associated with operating a golf course and the age of those buildings, that number would probably be about right (if you go with that valuation methodology). Not saying they should; just saying if they did.

I want to confirm this isn't a misprint: the Capital City Country Cub hired an appraiser who said that the 192 acre golf course along with all the buildings is only worth $1.15 million? If so, I'll gladly pay $1.2 million myself. tallahassee.com/story/money/20…