Although inhabited since 12,000 BC, Florida’s recorded history began in 1513 with the arrival of Ponce de León. It had periods of Spanish and British rule before becoming a US territory in 1822, the 27th state on March 3, 1845, and a Confederate State between 1861 and 1868. These are among the historical events told inside the Historic Capitol. It was built in 1845 and expanded twice in 1902 and 1923 before becoming a 21 room museum in 1982. Its pristine white columns and Victorian architecture plus red and white awnings stand across a courtyard from the 22 story Florida State Capitol building in Tallahassee.
