Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto camped in the area during the winter of 1539–40; it was originally occupied by Apalachee and later by Creek peoples. Seven Franciscan missions were established, with their headquarters at Fort San Luis (1633), which was destroyed (1704) by forces led by Governor James Moore of Carolina during Queen Anne’s War(1702–13). In 1821, when Florida became an American territory, it had two capitals, St. Augustine and Pensacola. As a central location between the two, Tallahassee (derived from a Creek word meaning “old town”) became the capital in 1824. The porticoed capitol building, begun in 1839, acquired its dome in 1902 and was restored after a new skyscraper capitol was completed in 1977. Prince Achille Murat, nephew of Napoleon I, and his wife, Catherine Willis, great-grandniece of George Washington, were early residents of the city. During the American Civil War, Tallahassee was far removed from the significant battle areas and was the only capital of a Confederate state east of the Mississippi River not captured by Union forces, although there was an engagement (March 6, 1865) at Natural Bridge, about 10 miles (16 km) southeast (now a state historic site) when a local militia repulsed a Union march on the city.
Tallahassee is a trade and distribution point for the surrounding lumbering, agriculture, and livestock region; printing and publishing and the manufacture of electronic equipment and metal products are also of some importance. Services (associated with government or the area’s institutions of higher education) are a major component of the economy.
The New Capitol building rises at the center of Tallahassee's downtown, next to the more classic Old Capitol. A gallery atop the 22-story New Capitol provides a sweeping view of the hilly city and its tree-lined streets.
A 10-block historic district preserves Tallahassee's gracious old homes along a linear park, along with a historic inn, bars and restaurants patronized by legislators, students and everyone in between.
Companies based in Tallahassee include: Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, the Municipal Code Corporation, the State Board of Administration of Florida (SBA), the Mainline Information Systems, and United Solutions Company.
Tallahassee offers numerous financial incentives to retain and attract business. At First Down Funding, we provide a quick and easy way to obtain funds for your Tallahassee business needs, whether it is a long term funding package or a short term cash funding, our professional and experienced staff are here to help you promptly and accurately. Contact us if you have any questions or conveniently apply online for expedite processing. Need small businesss funding in Tallahassee? call First Down Funding.