National Register Listing

Taylor County Jail, Old

a.k.a. 8TA119

400 blk. N. Washington St., Perry, FL
Local significance of the building:
Economics; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1989.

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.

economics architecture jails and prisons
Florida has been the site of many space launches and is home to the Kennedy Space Center, where NASA launched the Apollo missions to the moon in the 1960s and 1970s.
Florida random facts
Taylor County, FL has a rich history that dates back to prehistoric times. The area was home to Native American tribes, primarily the Apalachee and Timucua peoples, who lived off the land and utilized natural resources to sustain their communities. European contact began in the 16th century with Spanish explorers, who established missions in the region.

The first permanent European settlement in what is now Taylor County was founded in the early 19th century by American pioneers. The county was named after General Zachary Taylor, who later became the 12th President of the United States. In the mid-1800s, the discovery of large salt deposits helped Taylor County grow and prosper. Salt production became a major industry, attracting settlers and creating a demand for new infrastructure.

The timber industry played a significant role in the county's development during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Taylor County boasted vast expanses of pine forests, attracting lumber companies that established sawmills and logging operations. The timber industry brought economic growth and employment opportunities to the area, as well as significant environmental changes due to deforestation.

Today, Taylor County is primarily known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. The county is home to the extensive Big Bend coastline, which offers excellent fishing, boating, and beachcombing opportunities. It also hosts multiple wildlife management areas and state parks, attracting outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Taylor County continues to honor its history while looking toward a future focused on sustainable development and preserving its natural resources.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Taylor County, Florida.

  • 1825 – Taylor County is created as an original county of the Florida Territory.
  • 1839 – The county seat is established in Perry.
  • 1860s – Taylor County experiences significant growth due to the timber and turpentine industries.
  • 1887 – The Florida Railway and Navigation Company reaches Perry, boosting economic development.
  • 1890 – Perry becomes the hub for phosphate mining activities in Florida.
  • 1915 – The Buckeye Cellulose Corporation establishes a paper mill in Perry, leading to increased industrialization.
  • 1920s – Taylor County becomes an important center for the naval stores industry.
  • 1950s – The establishment of the Perry Air Force Base brings further economic prosperity to the county.
  • 1971 – The Perry Air Force Base is deactivated, impacting the local economy.
  • Late 20th century – Taylor County focuses on diversifying its economy with the growth of tourism and agriculture.