National Register Listing

Leon County Health Unit Building

a.k.a. Bloxham Annex; LE1811

325 E Gaines St., Tallahassee, FL
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Black; Education; Health/medicine; Politics/government; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2018.

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.

architecture ethnic heritage black education health medicine politics government social history
Audiobooks about the history of Florida.
The Everglades, one of Florida's most iconic natural landmarks, was not always a protected area. In fact, it was once considered a worthless swamp and was drained and developed for agricultural purposes in the early 20th century.
Florida random facts
Leon County, located in the northwestern part of Florida, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by Indigenous peoples, including the Apalachee and Creek tribes. Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto arrived in the area in the 16th century, followed by other European explorers, traders, and colonists.

In the early 19th century, the United States acquired Florida from Spain, and Leon County was established in 1824 as one of the original 14 counties of the new territory. The county was named after Juan Ponce de León, the Spanish explorer who was the first European to arrive in Florida. Tallahassee, the current capital of Florida, was designated as the county seat.

Leon County played a significant role in the Civil War. The Battle of Natural Bridge, in 1865, saw Confederate forces successfully defend the capital from Union troops, making it one of the few Confederate victories in Florida. After the Civil War, the area underwent a period of reconstruction and the economy shifted towards agriculture, particularly cotton and tobacco.

In the 20th century, Leon County experienced significant growth, with the establishment of Florida State University (FSU) in 1851 and Florida A&M University (FAMU) in 1887. These universities brought an influx of students and contributed to the cultural and intellectual development of the area. Today, Leon County is known for its vibrant arts scene, diverse community, and natural beauty, with many parks, forests, and outdoor recreation areas.

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

  • 1824 - Leon County is established as one of the original counties in Florida.
  • 1825 - Tallahassee is established as the county seat.
  • 1837 - The first courthouse in Tallahassee is constructed.
  • 1856 - The first railroad, the Pensacola and Georgia Railroad, is completed in Leon County.
  • 1861-1865 - Leon County actively participates in the American Civil War.
  • 1886 - The first electric streetcar system is introduced in Tallahassee.
  • 1947 - Florida State University is established in Tallahassee.
  • 1958 - Leon County is desegregated as a result of the Civil Rights Movement.
  • 1977 - Tallahassee Regional Airport opens.
  • 1997 - The Tallahassee-Leon County Civic Center (now known as the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center) is completed.