Tallahassee, the capital city of Florida, has a rich history that spans thousands of years, marked by indigenous cultures, European exploration, and significant political developments.

Indigenous Inhabitants

For over 10,000 years, the Tallahassee region was inhabited by Native American tribes, notably the Apalachee. These early inhabitants were hunters, fishermen, and gatherers of roots, nuts, and berries. The Apalachee were part of the Mississippian culture, known for constructing earthwork mounds near Lake Jackson, which are preserved today in the Lake Jackson Archaeological State Park.

European Exploration and Colonization

In 1528, Spanish explorer Pánfilo de Narváez arrived in the area with approximately 400 men, marking the first recorded European presence. Later, in 1539, Hernando de Soto’s expedition occupied the Apalachee town of Anhaica, located at present-day Tallahassee, during the winter of 1539–40. The Spanish established several missions in the region during the 17th century, including Mission San Luis de Apalachee in 1656, aiming to convert the Apalachee to Christianity and integrate them into the colonial economy.

Territorial Changes and State Capital Designation

Following the Adams–Onís Treaty of 1819, Florida was ceded from Spain to the United States. In 1821, Florida became an American territory, and Tallahassee was selected as the capital in 1824 due to its central location between the former capitals of East and West Florida, St. Augustine and Pensacola. The city’s name, derived from a Muskogean language, is often translated as “old fields” or “old town,” reflecting its deep-rooted history.