Tallahassee has an untrumpeted treasure in an unlikely spot on Tennessee street just across from Panera Bread. For the past year I’ve driven past Mission San Luis thinking that one day I’d visit. On Tuesday I did just that. All I have to say now is what took me so long?
From the brochure: “Mission San Luis functioned as the capital of the western missions in La Florida from 1656 to 1704. Populated by more than 1500 residents, including one of the most important Apalachee chiefs and the Spanish deputy governor, San Luis was one of early Florida’s larger colonial outposts.”
The members of the Apalachee tribe actually invited the Spanish Friars to build a mission in their midst, thinking it would increase their status.
The Friars gained a lush environment where crops could be grown and shipped to the larger outpost of St. Augustine.
When various threats emerged to the Spanish holdings, a fort was built on the site; although, it never housed enough soldiers to properly protect the Spaniards or the Apalachee from other Europeans–namely the French and then the English.
Mission San Luis is an ongoing archaeological site and includes remnants of the Apalachee council house along with examples of the stockade and church.
If you’re ever in the Tallahassee area, I recommend you stop for a visit. Let me know you’re in town and we’ll tour it together!
Peace, people!
Praying for Eyebrowz 