Progress is happening toward a replica of Florida’s first capitol building at Cascades Parks, and organizers are asking members of the public to help with construction.
It’s not a large building. Florida’s first legislative home was a log cabin. It’s being built for Tallahassee’s bicentennial celebration.
Community build days have been scheduled to encourage residents to participate in this piece of history. Participants must be at least 16 years old.
Construction is expected to be complete by Labor Day weekend. Following the ribbon cutting ceremony this fall, the replica will be open to the public through next spring.
Press release about the First Florida Capitol project:
In celebration of Tallahassee’s bicentennial this year, the First Florida Capitol project strives to honor the history and origin of the capital city. Members of the community are uniting to construct a replica of Florida’s inaugural legislative home—a log cabin.
Spearheaded by Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey, the project has garnered support from a network of community partners, including the City of Tallahassee, Friends of the First Florida Capitol, Inc. and Habitat for Humanity.
Community members have played a pivotal role in the design and construction of the replica. Local architect Mark Tarmey designed the replica, while Mark Carpenter, a fifth-generation descendant of one of the capitol builders, generously contributed nearly $50,000 worth of wood for construction.
“It’s inspiring to witness the community coming together to honor our past and create a lasting legacy for future generations,” said Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey.
Since breaking ground at Cascades Park this June, the crew has organized a series of community build days scheduled through August. Construction of the replica is expected to be complete by Labor Day weekend. Following the ribbon cutting ceremony this fall, the replica will open to the public through the spring of 2025.
The organizers invite Tallahassee residents and visitors alike to join the build day activities. Participants must be at least 16 years of age and bring closed-toe shoes to the build site. Volunteers may register online at
firstfloridacapitol.org/community.
The community can follow along with the cabin’s progress on the First Florida Capitol’s social channels at @firstfloridacapitol on Instagram and Facebook.
About First Florida Capitol
The First Florida Capitol project was initiated in celebration of Tallahassee’s bicentennial. The efforts of the project are made possible by the City of Tallahassee and Friends of First Florida Capitol, Inc., a non-profit, charitable organization exclusively in support of Tallahassee’s First Florida Capitol exhibit.
