In 1819, Spain gave up its colonial ambitions in Florida, and the first American settlers quickly moved into "Middle Florida," many setting up cotton or tobacco plantations. Surviving structures from this time include The 1827 Joshua Davis House in Mount Pleasant (U.S. Hwy. 90), the Old Philadelphia Presbyterian Church (SR 65, five miles north of Quincy), the Florida State Hospital in Chattahoochee and the 1840's Gregory House in Torreya State Park (13 miles northeast of Bristol on SR 271, 850-643- 2674). In Tallahassee, the magnificently restored Goodwood Museum and Gardens (1600 Micosukee Rd.; 850-877-4202) represents a true antebellum mansion with roots reaching the 1830s. The Grove, a splendid example of Greek Revival-style, dates to 1825 and territorial Gov. Richard Keith Call. Pisgah United Methodist Church (SR 151, north of Tallahassee) was built in 1858-59 as the third structure built to accommodate the area's Methodists.

Tobacco's heyday survives in numerous wood barns and brick warehouses throughout Gadsden and Madison Counties. Quincy was once recognized as the United States' richest town per capita. Its tobacco heritage can be seen at the Owl Cigar Company Warehouse/Shade Leaf Building (404 N. Madison St.). and Nicholson Farmhouse Restaurant (200 Coca Cola Dr., about seven miles east on SR 12). The Forest Capital State Museum in Perry (204 Forest Park Dr.; 850-584-3227) includes a Cracker homestead adjacent to the museum. For an authentic copper moonshine still, drop by Live Oak's Suwannee County Historical Museum (208 N. Ohio St.; 850-362-1776).

After Florida became a U.S. territory in 1819, settlement came slowly to the region. St. Marks continued from Spanish times as a shipping terminal for inland farm products. Old Town on the Suwannee River and Lake City all pre-date Tallahassee's 1824 designation as the territorial capital. Stephen Foster, who wrote "Way Down Upon the Swannee River," is memorialized in nearby White Springs at the Stephen Foster State Folk Culture Center (386-397-4331). The Columbia County Historical Society in Lake City (105 S. Hernando St.; 386-755-9096), displays period artifacts and local history exhibits.

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