Government Town

Government Town. Cascades Park. Government work, the capital's leading industry, has always textured the fabric of Tallahassee. Until the mid-20th century, the legislative session rejuvenated the otherwise sleepy town as local residents filled temporary jobs and the city throbbed with parties and events. Many of Tallahassee’s social, cultural and economic fortunes still revolve around the annual session., In the 1940s, state offices occupied little more than the Capitol, the Supreme Court and two office buildings. By 2010, state government workers filled 146 buildings, dozens of leased offices and accounted for 25 percent of all jobs in the city., When Florida selected Tallahassee as its territorial capital, a waterfall dominated this scenic area near the future center of state government. It became a recreational site for the growing town, but its use changed with the arrival of the railroad, nearby city utilities operations and the Smokey Hollow community. Beginning in the 1970s, plans were made to re-establish a park on the site. A new Cascades Park opened in the early 21st century thanks to a joint effort of the City of Tallahassee, and Leon County as well as public and private support. From the park visitors may view several of the state buildings that help define Tallahassee's skyline., (Captions) , Florida's 37th Governor Reubin Askew delivering his State of the State address to a joint session of the Legislature, 1978. State Archives of Florida, Florida's current Capitol, built in 1978, stands over the old Capitol which has been restored to its 1902 appearance. State Archives of Florida