Forgotten Florida: Monticello

Apart from the County Courthouse, the main historical attraction in Monticello is the High School. Built in 1852, it is Florida's oldest brick school building. In 1970, as Lawton Chiles strolled through Monticello west along US 90, the high school was already rich in lore.

In truth, the whole town is a relic. I visited on a Sunday afternoon--after the time when church gets out. I expected some tourist bustle. It was a ghost town. Not one person walking the antique streets. Not even a dog or cat. I did see a squirrel on Dogwood Street. And one guy visited the post office. There were also two guys on a bench outside the gas station on one side of the courthouse, who appeared to be bullshitting/telling stories.

Monticello is only about 20 miles east from Tallahassee, but it's definitely the Forgotten Florida that Chiles loved.

First Presbyterian Church

Denham-Brinson House

The Cuthbert House

Jefferson County Courthouse