National Register Listing

Old Calhoun County Courthouse

314 E. Central Ave., Blountstown, FL
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

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During the Civil War, Florida was the third state to secede from the Union and join the Confederacy, after South Carolina and Mississippi.
Florida random facts
Calhoun County, located in the Panhandle region of Florida, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Creek and Seminole, before European explorers arrived in the 16th century. Spanish conquistadors established settlements in the region, and the territory came under British control in the 18th century, before being acquired by the United States in 1821.

The county was named after John C. Calhoun, a prominent American statesman and vice president under President John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson. Calhoun County was officially established in 1838 and became a hub for agriculture, particularly cotton and timber. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further boosted the local economy, facilitating trade and transportation.

Over the years, Calhoun County played a significant role in various historical events. During the Civil War, the area saw military action as Confederate and Union forces clashed. The county also witnessed the aftermath of the Civil Rights Movement in the mid-20th century, with desegregation and efforts for equality shaping the community.

Today, Calhoun County continues to embrace its agricultural roots while adapting to modern challenges. The county's economy has diversified to include industries such as manufacturing and tourism, capitalizing on its natural beauty, including the Apalachicola River and nearby Gulf Coast. With a population that values its history and natural resources, Calhoun County remains a vital part of Florida's historical and economic fabric.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Calhoun County, Florida.

  • 1838 - Calhoun County was created by the Florida territorial legislature.
  • 184 NW 3rd Street, Blountstown became the county seat.
  • 1850 - The county's population was recorded at 1,447.
  • 1855 - The first courthouse was built in Blountstown.
  • 1930 - The population of Calhoun County reached its peak at 7,622.
  • 1948 - Hurricane Easy caused significant damage to the county.
  • 1964 - Calhoun County Historical Society was formed to preserve the county's history.
  • 1998 - Hurricane Earl hit Calhoun County, causing widespread destruction.
  • 2010 - The population of the county stood at 14,625.