Every city has hidden secrets and quirks. And so does Tallahassee! Tallahassee boasts several impressive accolades and beautiful attractions that will enthrall you. Here are some fascinating facts that are known only to people from Tally, and now to you as well. These facts will make you want to experience and explore the city for, live in action. So before planning your trip to Tallahassee, acquaint yourself with the ins and outs of the city.
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Tallahassee Geographic and Demographic Fast Facts
- Tallahassee is the county seat of Leon County.
- It is located in the central northern Florida, close to Apalachicola National Forest.
- It is the capital of Florida, United States.
- It is the 126th largest city in the U.S.
- It has more than 2 sq miles of water and 95 sq miles of land.
- It is one of the hillier places in the U.S. state of Florida.
- The elevation is more than 200 feet above sea level.
- The ethnic composition of Tallahassee includes- White-57.4%, Asian-3.7%, Black-35.0%, Alaska Native and American Indian-0.2%, Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander-0.1%, some other race-1.3%, two or more races-2.3%.
Tallahassee History Fast Facts
- Apalachee Indians first settled in the area in the early 16th century.
- Tallahassee area was under British control in 1763 when Spain gave up Florida to England.
- The name Tallahassee has its origin from a Muskogean Indian word meaning “old fields”. It was given by Creek Indians settled in the area during 18th and 19th cemturies.
- Spain got back Florida’s possession in 1783.
- Spain ceded Florida to the U.S. in 1819.
- In 1822, the territory of Florida was formed by a Congress act.
- Leon County was created in 1824 with Tallahassee as the capital of Florida and the county seat of Leon County. It was chosen as the capital city because of its location; halfway between Pensacola and St. Augustine.
- The Tallahassee St. Marks Railroad was constructed in 1834.
- In 1919, Tallahassee got Commission-Manager type of government.
- The Tallahassee Community College was set up in 1966.
Tallahassee Government and Economy Fast Facts
- Tallahassee follows Commissioner-Manager type of government.
- It is one of the most educated cities in Florida with over half of its population possessing a bachelor’s degree or higher.
- It is hub of political makers.
- The city is home to some of the best universities in the nation- Florida State University, Florida A&M University and Tallahassee Community College.
- It is known as the college town with a student population more than 70,000.
- It is the hub for agriculture and trade in the Southwest Georgia and Big Bend Region.
- It is a recognized scientific research regional center. National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, the world’s largest power magnet lab, is in Tallahassee.
Tallahassee Important and Interesting Fast Facts
- Tallahassee is nicknamed as “Tally”.
- DeSota encampment, which is now Tallahassee, is where the first Christmas in the US was celebrated.
- The city has the 3rd tallest capital building in the U.S.
- National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, the largest and the highest powered magnet lab in the world is in Tallahassee.
- T-Pain, the very popular singer and rapper was born in Tallahassee. Actually, that’s what the “T” in the name stands for.
- The city hosts several festivals and events year-round. It hosts one of the top equestrian competitions in the world, known as the “Red Hill Horse Trails”.
- The Tallahassee Automobile Museum houses Abraham Lincoln’s horse-drawn hearse.
- The daily newspaper of Tallahassee is “Tallahassee Democrat”
- Tallahassee boasts several accolades:
- Money Magazine (1988) named Tallahassee as one among the top three medium-size cities in the southeast to live in.
- Tallahassee has been awarded the title of “Tree City USA” by National Arbor Tree Foundation in 1992 & 2003.
- In 1999, Tallahassee was awarded “All-American City Award” of National Civic League.
- Tallahassee has been awarded “Best in America for Parks and Recreations” by the National Recreation and Park Association in 2006.
- Tallahassee was ranked second in the list of “Top 10 College Towns for Grownups” by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine (2007).
- In 2015, the National Civic League awarded Tallahassee an “All America City Award”.