Want ancient history in Tallahassee? you got it. Mission San Luis de Apalachee is as far back as you can find in Tallahassee. Dating back to the early 17th century, the mission was part of the tragic efforts by the Spanish to colonize the area and convert the local native Americans to Christianity. The present day mission is a reconstruction of what life might have looked like back then with 60 acres of land showing Apalachee tribal council house, some Spanish and native American residential areas, a church and a small basic fort.
The official website has the details :
Avisit to Mission San Luis transports you back to 1703. Your destination is a community where Apalachee Indians and newcomers from Spain lived together. […]
From 1656 to 1704, San Luis served as the principal village of the Apalachees and was the Spaniards’ westernmost military, religious, and administrative capital. Mission San Luis was one of over 100 mission settlements established in Spanish Florida between the 1560s and 1690s. It was home to more than 1,400 residents, including a powerful Apalachee chief and the Spanish deputy governor. […]
In recognition of its historical significance, San Luis received designation as a National Historic Landmark in 1960. Today Mission San Luis is the only reconstructed Spanish mission in Florida. As a living history museum it is devoted to sharing the stories of its former Apalachee and Spanish residents. Knowledge of life at San Luis over three centuries ago comes from intensive archaeological and historical research—the site is the most thoroughly investigated mission in the southeastern United States.
What’s to see?
You enter through the small museum and entrance hall, when you can catch a 15 minutes movie to give you the background of the story behind the mission …
To arrive at a large yard with all the interesting reconstructed buildings…
You can go into all of those buildings and feel some of the mission’s vibe…
There are also volunteers scattered around the premises wearing the outfits of the time and happily sharing their stories of the place with the visitors…
The mission has lots of ongoing activities, so be sure to check their Facebook group.
A charming place. Definitely a must if you’re in Tally.