When Wakulla County, Florida, was established in 1843 the town of Port Leon was
designated as the county seat. That same year the town was destroyed by a hurricane
and the residents moved to Newport which was designated as the temporary county
seat until a permanent location could be found. After much debate, the county seat
was finally moved to to its current location in 1866 and named Crawfordville after
State Senator John L. Crawford.
The original courthouse in Crawfordville was destroyed by a fire in 1892 and a
new courthouse was completed in 1894. The three story wooden structure was moved
500 feet in 1948 to allow construction of a more modern courthouse on the original
site. The 1894 building still exists and was added to the United States National
Register of Historic Places in 1976. It is one of only three original wooden courthouses
remaining in Florida.
As the county seat, Crawfordville is the largest town in Wakulla County and the
main hub for government and business in the county. Still, by almost any standard
it is a small town, and retains its small town charm and ambience.
Across from the Old Courthouse is the Old County Jail which houses a museum with
historic exhibits, a genealogy area, and a gift shop.
Crawfordville is home to Hickory Park, Azalea Park, and Hudson Park, all clustered
close to each other south of the town center. They offer a playground, tennis courts,
picnic areas, and short hiking trails. Hudson Park is the site for many county festivals
and celebrations during the year.
Activities & Facilities
Hotel or B&B
Restaurant
Museum or Visitor Center
Playground
Dogs allowed
Short hiking trails
Paved bike trails