As one of the oldest established cities in Hernando County, Brooksville has
played an important part in history. both as a trading center and a
transportation hub. In the 1840's, Fort Desoto was established to provide
protection for early settlers. A settlement just south of the fort was
founded by the Hope and Saxon families, and named Pierceville. Another community
named Melendez was also settled in an area northwest of Pierceville. In the late
1850's the two towns effectively merged into what is now known as Brooksville,
and the newly named town became the county seat of Hernando County.
As a center of commerce, Brooksville played an
important part in the Civil War providing supplies and cattle to the front lines
for the Confederacy. During the war, Union troops advanced on Brooksville from
Bayport in an attempt to crush the export business centered at Brooksville. The
"Brooksville Raid" is commemorated each year in January at the Sand Hill Scout
Reservation just west of town.
The Hernando County courthouse situated at the center of Brooksville was built
in 1913. It replaced a previous wooden structure that burnt down in 1877. The
fire could have been acidental, or as some have speculated it could have been an
intentional fire set in order to destroy court records. Either way, it is well
established that central Hernando County and Brooksville was a wild and
dangerous place in the late 1800's. In those years after the Civil War, many
lynchings and killings were recorded. The building of a new brick courthouse was
a testament to the resolve of residents to combat rampant crime and other
injustice.
Today, Brooksville is still a thriving center of activity and commerce - and
much more civilized. It's hilly downtown area makes for an interesting stroll,
with lots of restaurants and shops to grab your attention.
The historic May Stringer house - dating from 1855, and the original 1885 train
depot are a must see for history buffs. And for those who are interested in such
things, ghost tours are offered of both locations.
Just north of Brooksville is the
Chinsegut Hill Manor House
and Museum, where guided tours are offered. The house, built on the highest
point of land in Hernando County, was built beginning in 1847.
Activities & Facilities
Hotel or B&B
Restaurant
Museum or Visitor Center
Playground
Picnic shelter
Dogs allowed
Short hiking trails
Long hiking trails
Paved bike trails