Did you know that Leon County is home to the state capital of Florida? Join us while we take a look at some of the other interesting facts about this vibrant community. Learn about the history, economy and culture of Leon County and see what makes it such a great place to live!
1. Leon County is the only county in Florida named for a Spanish explorer.
2. Juan Ponce de Leon discovered Florida in 1513 while searching for the legendary “Fountain of Youth.”
3. The seat of government for Leon County is Tallahassee, which is also the state capital.
4. Tallahassee is the only state capital in the United States that is also home to a major university – Florida State University.
5. Founded in 1823, Tallahassee is one of the oldest cities in Florida.
6. It was originally called St. Augustine, but renamed after the Seminole Indian Wars because of its strategic location at the intersection of two important trade routes.
7. The Apalachee Indians were the original inhabitants of Leon County.
8. Tallahassee is home to the oldest continuously occupied European-built structure in the United States – the San Luis de Apalachee Mission, which was constructed in 1633.
9. Leon County covers an area of 728 square miles and has a population of over 275,000 people.
10. The county is home to a diverse range of Wildlife, including white-tailed deer, bald eagles, red-cockaded woodpeckers, and gopher tortoises.
11. Killearn Estates is the largest neighborhood in Tallahassee and one of the largest in Leon County.
12. The neighborhood is home to over 30,000 people and covers an area of 4,500 acres.
13. Lake Jackson is the largest lake in Tallahassee and one of the most popular recreation areas in Leon County. The lake covers an area of 2,800 acres and is home to a variety of fish, including largemouth bass, sunfish, and catfish.
14. St. Marks Wildlife Refuge is a 67,000-acre refuge located in the southern part of Leon County. The refuge was established in 1931 to protect migratory birds and now provides habitat for a variety of wildlife, including alligators, turtles, and snakes.
15. The Tallahassee Museum is the only history museum in Leon County. The museum features a variety of permanent and temporary exhibits on topics such as local history, Florida wildlife, and Native American culture.
16. The Tallahassee Automobile Museum is one of the largest automobile museums in the United States. The museum features over 150 vintage cars and trucks, as well as a collection of classic motorcycles and bicycles.
17. Cascades Park is a 24-acre park located in downtown Tallahassee. The park features a variety of amenities, including walking trails, a playground, and an amphitheater.
18. Myers Park is a 55-acre park located in the heart of Tallahassee. The park features a variety of recreational facilities, including tennis courts, a swimming pool, and a disc golf course.
19. Lake Elberta is a man-made lake located in the middle of Tallahassee. The lake covers an area of 9 acres and is popular for fishing and canoeing.
20. Lafayette Heritage Trail Park is a 3-mile walking and biking trail that winds through the historic Lafayette neighborhood in Tallahassee. The trail passes by a number of historic landmarks, including the old Florida State Capitol building and the Knott House Museum.
21. Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park is a 1,176-acre state park located in Tallahassee. The park features a variety of amenities, including hiking trails, a swimming pool, and a botanical garden.
22. Lake Talquin State Park is a 3,377-acre state park located in the western part of Leon County. The park features a variety of recreational activities, including camping, fishing, and canoeing.
23. St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge is a 70,000-acre refuge located in the southern part of Leon County. The refuge was established in 1931 to protect migratory birds and now provides habitat for a variety of wildlife, including alligators, turtles, and snakes.
24. Wakulla Springs State Park is a 6,000-acre state park located in the southwestern part of Leon County. The park features a variety of amenities, including hiking trails, a swimming pool, and a boat ramp.
25. Apalachicola National Forest is a 567,000-acre forest located in the western part of Leon County. The forest is home to a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, bald eagles, red-cockaded woodpeckers, and gopher tortoises.
26. Ochlockonee River State Park is a 913-acre state park located in the northwestern part of Leon County. The park features a variety of recreational activities, including camping, fishing, and canoeing.
27. Tallahassee is home to a number of colleges and universities, including Florida State University, Tallahassee Community College, and Florida A&M University.