[TAL uh HASS ee] is the seat of Leon County and the capital of Florida. It is located in the northern part of the state, just south of the Florida-Georgia border. The city covers approximately 98 square miles and has a population of about 156,600. The name Tallahassee is a Muskogean word often translated as old fields or old town.

History

The first European to visit the area of present-day Tallahassee was Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto, who spent the winter of 1538-1539 here. By 1675, the Franciscans had established seven missions in the area. The English and the Creek Indians raided the missions during Queen Anne's War (1702-1713) in retaliation for the Spanish having incited Indian raids against English settlements in South Carolina.

After the United States acquired Florida in 1821, the site of Tallahassee was chosen as the capital of the territory of Florida. The first settlers arrived in 1824, and the Legislature met for the first time in Tallahassee later that same year.

During the Civil War, Tallahassee was the only Confederate capital east of the Mississippi River to not be captured by Union troops.

Economy

In addition to being the home of Florida's state government, Tallahassee is a regional center for trade and agriculture.

Manufactures of the metropolitan area include lumber and wood products, processed food, building supplies, printed materials, and gunpowder.

The city is served by Tallahassee Regional Airport.

Education

Tallahassee is the home of Florida State University, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee Community College, and Pat Thomas Law Enforcement Academy. Barry University, Embry Riddle and Flagler also have branches in Tallahassee.

Sites and Attractions

Cultural attractions include the Lemoyne Art Foundation Gallery and the Museum of Florida History.

Other Information

Notable persons from Tallahassee include: Wally Amos, founder of the "Famous Amos" chocolate chip cookie brand; George Clinton, musician; Paul Dirac, Nobel Prize-winning physicist; Faye Dunaway, actress; Jim Morrison, lead singer of The Doors; Burt Reynolds, actor.

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