With this being my first visit to Tallahassee, I was interested in seeing “The Old Capitol” and the newer, Capitol Complex. Without a specific plan in mind, we drove around a bit looking for a place (ended up in a parking garage).
After a short walk on Duval Street, we arrived at the rear of the Capitol Complex (completed in 1977). Walking up the steps, we came to the beautiful dolphin sculpture, Stormsong. Behind it are the Heritage Fountains.
Across the street from the “new” Capitol Building is the Florida Supreme Court building.
Entering the lobby of the 22-story (plus 3 underground floors) building, we wandered around to check out the sights.
Various groups are recognized with plaques in various locations around the lobby. We spent some time checking them out.
The Governor’s Office as well as that of the Lieutenant Governor are also on the first floor of the Capitol Building.
Elevators 2 and 4 will take you to the 22nd floor where you can see views of Tallahassee. Here are a couple of them.
When we exited the new Capitol Building, we walked onto the courtyard in front of The Old Capitol. A sign provided a map of the complex.
The original capitol was built in 1845. When the new capitol building was being designed, there were plans to remove the old capital building. Many opposed the plan, and it was decided that the building would be restored to the 1902 version.
In addition to the restored spaces of government, a museum of the state’s political history is now located in the building. Below are a couple of exhibits found there. The first is the flags of the Tallahassee; and, secondly a Civil War, 12-pounder, mountain howitzer.
On the second floor, we saw the Supreme Court, Senate and House of Representatives rooms as they were in 1902.
The stained glass of the dome in the rotunda is quite beautiful…my favorite part of the building!
On the first floor, we checked out the Governor’s Suite. Shown below is the Governor’s private office (with original furniture from 1902) and the secretary and stenographer area. A cabinet meeting room divided the two office areas.
Exiting to the rear of the Old Capitol, the snapped a few more shots of the historic building. The new Capitol was built so that it lined up perfectly with the original one. And the Old Capitol looks the same from the front as it does from the rear.
Across the street from the Old Capitol is the Florida Vietnam Veterans Memorial. As always, reading the names of the KIA is always very emotional.
There is no admission fee to the Old Capitol or the museum there. We have visited several other state capitols and will visit more in the future. As lovers of history, it is always interesting to learn more about each state in our nation.
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