The Old Wakulla County Courthouse is a rare example of the very functional and simple public buildings constructed in Florida during the latter part of the nineteenth century. Of three existing wooden courthouses in the state, this one is the least altered.

Local tradition suggests that the midpoint of the central hall on the first floor served as the bench mark for all surveys in the town of Crawfordville. This point is indicated by mitered boards which converge on the central point where once a round copper plate was placed as a marker. Additional credence was added to this tradition by the fact that G.W. Tully, the contractor, was a surveyor.

An Historical Sites Specialist said that “much of the character of the Old Wakulla County Courthouse is derived from the configuration of the steeply pitched roof. The four intersection gables and the central belvedere (cupola) add prominence to the otherwise simple, square, frame building.”

The building was completed in 1894. The specifications called for it to be made of the best heart of pine.

Source: Wakulla Chamber of Commerce

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