Historical Markers in
Gadsden County, Florida

Apalachicola Arsenal Apalachicola Arsenal Chattahoochee Landing Mound Group Dr. Malcolm Nicholson Home Florida Honors and Remembers our POW’s and MIA’s Gadsden County Gadsden County War Memorial Joshua Davis House Nicolls' Outpost Old Gretna School House Old Philadelphia Presbyterian Church Old Spanish Trail Old Washington Lodge No. 2 ~ Quincy Woman's Club Pat Munroe House Site of Ellicott's Observatory Site of the First Gadsden County Courthouse Soldiers Cemetery St. Paul's Episcopal Church The Dezell House The Quincy Academy The Quincy State Bank The Scott Massacre The White House / Pleasants Woodson White United States Arsenal (1832-1861) Veterans Memorial Vickers Cemetery
Florida played a major role in the Civil Rights Movement, with many important events taking place in the state, including the Tallahassee Bus Boycott in 1956 and the St. Augustine Movement in 1963.
Florida random facts
Gadsden County, located in the Florida Panhandle, has a rich and vibrant history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Apalachee and Creek peoples, who lived off the land and developed thriving communities. European explorers, including Hernando de Soto, arrived in the 16th century, bringing diseases that devastated the native population.

In the 19th century, Gadsden County experienced significant growth with the establishment of plantations that produced lucrative cash crops such as tobacco and cotton. The county became one of the wealthiest in Florida and was home to many influential plantation owners. Slavery was widespread in the area, and the economy was heavily dependent on enslaved labor.

During the American Civil War, Gadsden County faced the challenges of economic collapse and the impact of the Union blockade. After the war, the area went through a period of reconstruction and struggled to rebuild its economy. Although agriculture continued to play a significant role, the county also saw the growth of timber and lumber industries, which provided new opportunities for economic development.

In the 20th century, Gadsden County witnessed significant social and political changes. The Civil Rights Movement had a profound impact on the county, and local African Americans joined the struggle for equality through protests and activism. Today, Gadsden County continues to evolve, with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. It remains a place of historical significance, with preserved plantations and sites that offer insights into the diverse and complex history of the area.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Gadsden County, Florida.

  • 1823: Gadsden County is established as one of Florida's original two counties.
  • 1827: The county seat is established in Chattahoochee.
  • 1838: Gadsden County becomes a major center for cotton and tobacco production.
  • 1861-1865: Gadsden County contributes troops and supplies to the Confederate cause during the American Civil War.
  • 1882: The Chattahoochee and Flint River Railroad is completed, boosting the county's economy.
  • 1941: Camp Gordon Johnston, a major U.S. Army training base, is established in Gadsden County during World War II.
  • 1958: Tallahassee Junior College is founded in Quincy, providing higher education opportunities for local residents.
  • 1964: The Civil Rights Act leads to significant changes in Gadsden County, including desegregation of schools and public facilities.
  • 2004: Hurricane Ivan causes significant damage and widespread power outages across Gadsden County.
  • 2013: Quincy's downtown area is designated as a National Register Historic District, preserving its historic buildings.