Historic Monticello/Jefferson County

Before the US acquired this area in 1821, Indians were the inhabitants. The Indians of the area were the Apalachees, a name recognizable in the region. The Spanish government claimed the control for most of the 3 centuries prior to 1821. The Spanish explorers also are well known in history, Panfilo de Narvaez, Hernando de Soto, Pedro Menendez de Aviles. The missions of Jefferson County were the result of Spanish ownership. In 1633 two monks established the first permanent mission west of the Aucilla River and by 1647 there were 7 missions in Apalachee, some of which were in Jefferson County. The National Register of Historic Places lists three sites of missions in Jefferson County as follows:

• Vicinity of Lamont - San Miquel de Asile Mission Site. 30 mi. SE of Tallahassee. -1607-1704. Site of a mission with a 39 foot by 64 foot mission structure. The mission was the most westward of 4 set among the Yustaga (Timucua) Indians. Believed to have been burned by English and Creek Indians in 1704.
• Vicinity of Lloyd - San Joseph De Ocuya Site. 17 mi. E of Tallahassee. 1600- 70 . One of 18 Franciscan missions established by the Spanish among the Apalachee Indians between 1633 and 1683. Believed to be the fist mission destroyed in one of the English lead raids by Creek Indians which began in 1703 and continued until 1707, that destroyed 32 Spanish settlements in N. Florida.
• Vicinity of Tallahassee - San Juan de Aspalaga Site. 16 mi. E of Tallahassee 1640-1704. Site of one of the oldest Spanish Franciscan missions established in the Province of Apalachee. Indian village to the south of the mission. Destroyed by English and Creek Indian raiding party in 1704.

This county, named for Thomas Jefferson, was officially established January 20, 1827. Monticello was the name given the county seat while Florida was still a territory of the United States. In 1845, when Florida was admitted as a state, a Jefferson County planter, William Moseley, became the first governor. In 1826 another planter, Col. Jack Bellamy, built a large part of the old St. Augustine Road, or Federal Road, from the oldest city in North America, St. Augustine, on the East Coast to Pensacola on the west boundary of the state.

Monticello Historic District The area which is listed with the National Register of Historic Places as the Monticello Historic District comprises an area of approximately 27 blocks within the town of Monticello. With rare exceptions, the buildings within this district were constructed in the nineteenth century and reflect the typical architectural development of a North Florida town of the period. The district has three --West Madison Street, North Jefferson Street and East Washington Street--with pivotal buildings (the Bailey Eppes House and the Courthouse) at the junctions of the axes. There are 43 historic structures included in this National Register District. We have since had another historic survey which has turned out to include over 600 structures over 50 years old in the small town of Monticello. As a result of the fires of 1875 and 1886 the commercial buildings of Monticello date exclusively from the last quarter of the 19th century are all constructed of brick. Register's Barber Shop (1875-1884), built by the Budd brothers, is typical and retains its original first floor fenestration of arched-head windows flanking an arched-head door.

Madison Street Residential-Area With the exception of the Ellenwood House which was begun in the 1850s, the character of Madison Street is derived from its late nineteenth century homes. All of the buildings along what was then Bloomer Street were houses with residential dependencies (kitchens, tool sheds, carriage houses), some of which survive. The most distinctive of the larger homes are the Italianate Bailey-Brinson and Turnbull-Evans houses. Both are two story frame dwellings with deep, bracketed eaves and cupolas. The Mays house and the Dr. Robert Scott House are also large frame residences with bracketed cornices and large porches with turned posts. There are other late nineteenth century frame houses on a smaller scale which support the character of the neighborhood, while the twentieth century residences, although of a later style, maintain the scale, setback and purpose of the neighborhood.

North Jefferson Street Residential Area The North Jefferson Street neighborhood includes the Wirick-Simmons House on the south and the Bailey-Eppes house on the north. In addition to the buildings fronting on Jefferson Street, it includes two early buildings (the Budd-Rainey House and the Budd Store on Cherry Street and the old cemetery. Four houses date from the 1830s and 1840s and are significant for the roles of their owners in early Monticello history; they are the Budd-Braswell House, the Denham-Brinson House, the Scott-Simmons House and the Wirick-Simmons House. All are located next to the major north-south road of the 1830s (now Jefferson Street) and are one and one half and two story frame dwellings with Classic Revival detailing. The detailing of both the Wirick-Simmons House and the Denham-Brinson House is noteworthy, featuring Greek key door and window corner blocks, full entablatures and porticos. Three other significant buildings -dating from the second half of the nineteenth century continue the scale, materials and neighborhood themes--the Josiah T. Budd House, the Bailey-Eppes House and Christ Church. The latter two are the only examples of the Stick Style in Monticello. The Bailey-Eppes House is located on a slight rise and Jefferson Street falls away to the south of the Courthouse. The site enhances the Stick Style characteristics of varied massing, height and roof slopes. On the other hand, Christ Church (Episcopal) maintains the regular geometric pattern of a Classic Revival church and only has applied Stick Style detailing. In addition to the individually cited buildings, there are a large number of complementary structures which are not either historically or architecturally important but are visually compatible with the neighborhood.

Courthouse and Commercial Area The Jefferson County Courthouse, in the southernmost part of the district, is surrounded by the buildings of the commercial area. The present Courthouse dates from 1909 and is the focal point on entering the community on either the Jefferson Street axis or the Washington Street axis. The major portions of the commercial area of Monticello are in blocks immediately to the south of the Courthouse and in the six blocks to the north between Washington, Mulberry, Pearl and Waukeenah Streets. Within this latter area is the Federal Post Office Building, located in the 200 block of North Jefferson Street. The key buildings are one and two story brick structures fronting on the sidewalk and dating from the last half of the nineteenth century. There is thus a conformity of style, date, purpose and scale, although due to the later application of stucco, the unity of material has been lost. The dominant commercial structure to the south is the Perkins Opera House, built in 1890. This two story building has glazed, cast iron storefronts on the first floor and decorative brickwork features above. Two of these brick features, the protecting window caps and corbeled cornice, are repeated on other buildings in the commercial- area and provide a unifying element. The dominant structure to the north is the First Presbyterian Church, a monumental one story brick building with Greek Revival characteristics. Although not a commercial structure, the church conforms in style, age and materials. While superficial examination might lead to doubts about its acceptable scale, the monumental first floor matches the height of the surrounding two story commercial buildings and the steeple complements the vertical emphasis of the Courthouse dome. To the north of the Courthouse in the commercial area, two buildings survived the fire of 1875. One of these, the Monticello News Building, is a one story brick structure with decorative brick pilasters and banded cornice, now covered with stucco. Bank Annex also predates the fire of 1875. It is a Classic Revival three bay brick commercial structure with central door and flanking windows on the first floor. The gable end faces the street and has a boxed cornice and pediment. Jackson's Drugs - Harris' Grocery, although of a later date, is a double Classic Revival structure. The two three bay gable ends face the street and share a stair to the second floor through a central seventh bay. In addition to the stair doorway, there are central first floor doorways in each three bay section which were flanked originally by first floor sash windows. The second floor retains the original fenestration and brick pilasters supporting the corbeled pediment above. Two other three bay buildings are Braswell's Store and Register's Barber-Shop, both built after the fire of 1875. Braswell's has suffered the alteration of its first floor entry and fenestration, while Register's retains its originals. Like the Perkins Opera House, the Braswell building has projecting brick caps over its remaining arched-head windows, while Register's has a corbeled brick cornice similar to that on the Opera House.

East Washington Street Residential Area Turning east at the Courthouse and passing thorough the commercial area, one arrives at the East Washington Street residential area. This area suffers from the heavy traffic along U.S. 90, a major east-west artery, but the current disadvantage was considered an advantage when the dwellings were constructed in the nineteenth century. The eastern limit of the area is defined by a number of industrial properties that cluster adjacent to the railroad, while the western edge merges with the commercial area. In the interim distance of two very long blocks are three houses of statewide architectural and historical significance, all dating from the 1850s; these are the Christian Bless House, the William Budd, Jr. House and the William S. Dilworth House. In addition to classical symmetry and scale, all three share marked Greek Revival influences of fully expressed cornice, frieze and architrave and corner pilasters. Another noteworthy building is the Southern Hotel, which although much altered, is the only nineteenth century hotel structure remaining in Monticello. There are also two buildings within the area of purely local historical significance--the Simkins House and the Presbyterian Manse. In addition, there are a number of more or less altered and ornamented Classic Revival Houses, the best preserved being the Grubbs House. The East Washington Street residential area encompasses a large number of late nineteenth century houses. The materials, scale and residential atmosphere are consistent, and, when viewed from the eastern boundary, the shallow-rise, wide residential avenue is impressive. There are only three twentieth century intrusions and they do not seriously affect the character of the area.

West Madison Street

1.   Bailey-Brinson House (600 West Madison). Italianate, 2 story, clap-board, with cupola and bracketed eaves, dependency.

     Dr. Robert Scott House (480 West Madison). "I" house, 2 story, clapboard, With bracketed eaves, dependencies.

     India Linebaugh (625 North Olive). Classic Revival, 2 story, (originally 1½-story) , clapboard, with dependencies.

     Turnbull House (250 West Madison). Italianate, 2 story, clapboard, with cupola and bracketed eaves.

     Livingston Paisley House (595 West Madison). Classic Revival, 1 story, clapboard.

     Delca Hector House (465 West Madison), Classic Revival, I story, clapboard.

2.   Mays House (585 North Olive) (Burned)

North Jefferson Street

8.   Farmer House (6l5 North Jefferson). Stick Style, 2½ story, clapboard, with bracketed eaves and stick work.

     Josiah T. Budd House (620 North Jefferson). Bracketed, 2 story, clapboard, with bracketed eaves and dependencies.

     Old Cemetery.

     Pafford House (100 East York). Classic Revival, l½ story, clapboard.

     Denham-Brinson House (435 North Jefferson). Greek Revival, l½ story, clapboard, with Greek Key corner blocks and portico and dependency.

     Christ Church (Episcopal) (100 East High). Stick Style, 1 story, clapboard, with spire and stained glass.

     Episcopal Rectory (425 North Cherry). Classic Revival, 2 story, clapboard, with scroll barge boards and jigsaw pailings.

     Budd-Rainey House (440 North Cherry). Classic Revival, 1 story, clapboard.

     Budd Store (450 North Cherry). Classic Revival, 1 story, clapboard.

     Scott-Simmons/Bruce Lienbaud (385 North Jefferson). Classic Revival, 2½ story, clapboard with dependency.

     Cuthbert House (380 North Jefferson). Classic Revival, 1½ story, clapboard.

     Bishop House (380 North Jefferson). Classic Revival, 1½ story, clapboard.

9.   Wirick-Simmons House (National Register) (280 North Jefferson). Greek Revival, 2 story, clapboard, with Greek key corner blocks and porticos with dependency.

Commercial Area

21.   Rainey Building (201-215 North Jefferson). Commercial, 2 story, brick with stucco, arched-head windows on second floor.

      Edenfield Hardware (200-210 North Jefferson). Commercial, 2 story brick with stucco first floor, arched-head windows and second floor.

      Jackson's Drugs - Harris' Grocery (130-140 East Dogwood). Classic Revival, 2 story, brick with stucco, pedimented gable.

      First Presbyterian Church (280 East Dogwood). Greek Revival, 1 story brick with portico and steeple.

      Presbyterian Rectory/Mrs Bishop (300 East Dogwood). Queen Anne, 2 story, clapboard.

      Register's Barber Shop (135 East Dogwood). Classic Revival, 2 story, brick with stucco, arched-head windows on second floor, corbelled brick cornice.

      Braswell's Store (195 East Dogwood). Classic Revival-Romanesque, 2 story, brick with stucco, arched-head windows second floor, corbelled caps.

      Old Bank Antiques (Courthouse Circle). Classic Revival, 1 story, brick with stucco, pilasters.

      Courthouse (Courthouse Circle). Neoclassical, 2 story, brick with stucco, cupola-and porticos on major facade.

      Perkins Opera House (National Register) (Courthouse Circle). Romanesque Revival, 2 story, brick with corbelled cornice, cast iron and stained glass storefronts first floor.

22.   Bank Annex (Courthouse Circle). Classic Revival, 2 story, brick with stucco, boxed cornice.

East Washington Street

32.   Simkins Bailey House (340 East Washington). Classic Revival, 2 story, clapboard, small original saddlebag to north.

      Old Presbyterian Manse (420 East Washington). Classic Revival, 1 ½ story, clapboard.

      Funeral Home (480 East Washington). Queen Anne, 1 story (originally 2 stories), clapboard.

      Girardeau-Arrants House (550 East Washington). Classic Revival, 1 story, clapboard.

      Southern Hotel (640 East Washington). Classic Revival, 2 story, clapboard, many additions.

      William Haile House (Moved around the corner) (325 East Washington). Queen Anne, 2 story, clapboard, arched-head windows shingle belt.

      Martha Anderson House (345 East Washington). Greek Revival, 2 story, clapboard, full entablature, pilasters, portico.

      Grubbs House (484 East Washington). Classic Revival, 1 story, clapboard, bay window.

      William Budd House, (555 East Washington) . Greek Revival, 2 story, clapboard, full entablature, pilasters, pedimented gable.

      Somewhere Else House (625 East Washington). Classic Revival, 2 story, clapboard.

      Christian Bless House (695 East Washington). Greek Revival, l½ story, clapboard, full entablature, pilasters, pedimented gable.

33.   Jones House (725 East Washington). (Burned).

JEFFERSON COUNTY COURTHOUSE Built 1909; Neoclassical style. About 1905, the citizens of Jefferson County began to initiate a move to build a new courthouse, to replace the structure which had stood for about 70 years. The population of the county had grown to approximately 17,000 (more than it is today), and the voters felt that they needed a more modern courthouse to serve the needs of the citizens. In November, 1908, they approved a $35,000 bond issue for this purpose by a vote of 416 to 239. E.C. Hosford of Eastman, GA, and Bartow, FL, was employed as architect, and he designed a building after the style of Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, classic revival with French influence. The Mutual Construction Company of Louisville, KY, won the construction contract with a low bid of $39,412. Progress was satisfactory until the building was nearing completion. The county commission planned a grand dedication ceremony for June 24, 1909. Then, a dispute occurred between the commission on the one side and the architect and Mutual Construction on the other. Hosford was fired and the commission refused to accept the building without certain structural improvements. After a delay of several weeks, Mutual Construction paid a $1,200 penalty and the building was accepted. The commission passed a resolution commending Dan Finlayson, chairman of the building committee for his efforts in behalf of the county. The dedication ceremony finally occurred in 1910. Samuel Pasco made his famous historical address; Judge John Malone followed with a brief speech; the Masonic Order was credited with laying the cornerstone; and a barbecue dinner was enjoyed by the proud community. Very little structurally has changed since the courthouse was built in 1908. However, in 1968, following the findings of a grand jury, the courtroom was modernized. The ceiling in the 60 year old room was lowered, central air conditioning installed, and the balcony was consumed into the attic. This change also created offices for the Property Appraiser and Circuit Judge. County government has far outgrown the courthouse in needed space. Where all offices, including school administration were formally in the courthouse, now many offices are in rented or owned county buildings located elsewhere, including the offices of county agent, school administration, building inspector, library, etc. The offices remaining in the courthouse are Clerk of Circuit Court, County and Circuit Judges, Sheriff, Property Appraiser, Tax Collector, and State Attorney. Window air conditioners, wires strung from room to room for computers and telephones are visible evidence that the building was made in another era. There are no elevators or handicapped ramps, no restrooms on the ground floor. Structurally, the courthouse is sound. It was built of poured concrete slabs and the interior walls are one foot thick. Three vaults are located in the various offices, with walls eighteen inches thick. Floors are pine and ceramic tile, and three floors are used for office space and court proceedings. There are 4 chimneys with 3 fireplaces each, a reminder that coal was used to heat the courthouse in the early days. Two big pot-bellied, coal burning stoves, now on exhibit in the hall, were used to heat the courtroom. Much of the original courtroom furniture is still used, benches, judge's bench, jury box, etc., fashioned of oak and never losing its historic beauty. Marble plaques are located in the halls naming the officials responsible for planning the structure. For Jefferson County citizens, the courthouse located in the center of town is the most notable landmark, and although there is talk from lime to lime of building a courthouse annex, or moving certain offices to another site, the courthouse will remain as the most important tie to a viable downtown community. Present and future generations will want to preserve and properly maintain the structure, for it is a soundly constructed, handsomely designed, debt-free public building, which could not be duplicated at any cost. Restoration, including provision for access for disabled citizens, was begun in 1995 and continues.

MONTICELLO OPERA HOUSE Built 1890; Romanesque Revival style. In 1890 the Perkins Opera House (30) (NR) was built adjacent to the Courthouse Circle and near the St. Elmo Hotel. Its first floor contained three stores with an opera house above. It and the hotel are indicative of the late 19th century economic boom, when local businessmen, inspired by the new railroad spur to town, anticipated increased resort trade as tourists from the North wintered in Monticello. Unfortunately for local business interests, the boom was soon over and Monticello again settled back as a rural county seat. This position is unchanged today and accounts in large measure for the number of extant 19th century buildings. It is fortunate that during the 19th century growth and prosperity provided for the construction of some fine examples of Classic Revival, Greek Revival and Stick Style architecture, and that later adversity inhibited both new construction and alteration of old construction. The second floor of the Perkins Building, erected in 1890, contains an opera house where plays, light opera, and local vaudeville shows were once performed. Long in disuse, the restoration of this Victorian building is now nearly complete. It is on the National Register. The stage is unusually large, the dressing rooms are adequate for present day performances and the acoustics are prefect. There are two quaint boxes - one on each side of the stage. A large gallery is located in the rear. The "Perkins Block" was built in 1890 by an enterprising Monticello businessman named John H. Perkins. This handsome building included three first floor bays housing Perkins mercantile interests and general store and a farm implement supply store. In addition, Perkins built a stable behind the building from which horses, mules and wagons were sold. The second floor of the Perkins Block included a large foyer and an opera house boasting unparalleled acoustics and the largest stage in the region. Perkins had high hopes of establishing the opera house as a going concern. For several years performances included both professional touring groups and local productions. Shortly after the turn-of-the-century however, the railroads were re-routed, by passing Monticello. The wealthy patrons who had once wintered in South Georgia and North Florida sought destinations south of Thomasville and Monticello and the opera house faced financial disaster. Unable to attract the once-popular theater productions, Perkins discontinued live theater performances. A failed attempt to utilize the building as a movie theater led to the abandonment of the auditorium. Although the downstairs bays saw continuous occupation for a variety of uses, the majestic opera house, with its sweeping stage and near-perfect acoustics, stood idle and soon fell into disrepair. In 1972, the vision of a handful of interested people saved the opera house, with its falling plaster and leaking roof, from the destruction of the wrecker's ball. An organization was formed to provide opportunities for young performers and restore the opera house. It is the goal of the Executive Board and the membership of the Opera House to continue restoration of this facility, while providing outstanding visual and performing arts opportunities for the residents of South Georgia and North Florida.

OLD CEMETERY 1827 This is the oldest of the Monticello cemeteries. Many of the families of the earliest settlers are buried here. Not all graves are marked and many are in bad repair. No record has been found listing owners of the lots. After this cemetery was filled, adjoining land was purchased and that is presently in use. An interesting group of graves are those where Confederate soldiers are buried. Following the Battle of Olustee, 94 miles to the East on the road to Jacksonville, a number of those injured were brought to Monticello and some who died were buried here. For many years, Memorial Services were held on April 26th under the old oak tree near the graves. Restoration of this old cemetery by the Monticello Woman's club is underway.

AVENUE OF OAKS East Dogwood Street A plaque near Marvin Street, dedicated Match 19, 1965, commemorates the planting of the majestic Avenue of Oaks by John Howard Girardeau ca. 1889. He oriented the broad verandas of his house toward the avenue, since East Washington Street, in the rear of the house, did not exist until the 1920s.

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Walnut and Olive Street; Built 1888; English Gothic Revival On October 5, 1844, the site of this lovely church was purchased at a cost of $75.00 by the Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Monticello, Daniel Bird, William Budd, John Partridge, Darius Williams, Adam Wirick, George W. Taylor and B. Waller Taylor. A church was built that year. The 1844 church was used until 1887 when it was replaced by the present structure completed in 1891. Joseph Trummer, an Austrian cabinet-maker, did much of the interior trim and installed imported English stained glass windows. Adam Wirick, the builder of the Historical Association Headquarters preached in the early years in this church.

CHRIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH North Jefferson and High Streets; Built 1885; Stick style The first Episcopal Church in Monticello was erected in 1843 on the corner of Washington and Waukeenah Streets. In 1840, William D. Moseley, a resident of Jefferson County and the first "state" governor of Florida, was one of the five original vestrymen elected when the church was organized. This building was burned in 1883 and for two years services were held at the Masonic Hall in Jefferson Academy. The present church was built in 1885. It was designed by J. W. Ferguson, who was reportedly the architect for the Exposition in New Orleans, and D. A. Finlayson. The building is a departure from the typical Episcopal designs of the period in Florida, having more in common with the parish churches of the northeast and central United States. The major facade and tower are to the east, next to Jefferson Street. The central element of this facade is the composition of quadrupled lancet stained glass windows and superimposed circular window within a common Gothic collection drip mold with terminal bosses. The remaining windows are doubled lancets with Gothic Collection drip molds. The major entries are through hooded double doors to the north and double doors in the bell tower. The tower itself is 1½ stories above the church proper and has a pyramidal roof with doors.

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Dogwood and Waukeenah Street; Built 1841, rebuilt 1867; Greek Revival design The dominate structure of the north in the Monticello Historic District is the First Presbyterian Church, a monumental one story, brick building with Greek Revival characteristic, begun in 1841. The brick used was hauled from Virginia by oxcart. The church was burned soon after the Civil War and was rebuilt in 1867 using the same brick, as seen in the west wall. The wood used for the interior was a gift of Dr. Thomas M. Palmer and came from his land. The Greek Revival design has a three bay portico with large masonry Doric columns. The building proper is brick with a large central door with transom opening onto the portico and flanked by smaller doors. The steeple is square with louvers and a conical roof. The windows of the nave are doubled, double-hung sash with arched heads. This is one of the few remaining Greek Revival religious buildings from the mid-nineteenth century in Florida.

JEFFERSON COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL 1852-1992 When the original plan of Monticello was drawn in 1827, four lots were designated as Academy lands. The present Jefferson County High School stands today on two of these. It was built of local brick on Academy Green to house a school and Masonic Lodge. The first school called Jefferson Academy was established in 1882; apparently school opened in 1833. Those applying for teaching positions were required to have "unimpeachable credentials". The 1840 census showed the Academy with 90 students. In 1851, Martin Palmer, Chairman of the Building Committee, offered for bid "a school building to be 60' X 55', two stories high, to be made of brick and to be completed by March 1, 1852." This was the first schoolhouse in the whole of Florida to be built of brick. The name was changed to the "Jefferson Collegiate Institute" in 1889 when it became a high school. Two wings were added to the building in 1915 and columns were erected at the north and south entrances. Again the name was changed to the present one, Jefferson County High School. New school facilities were constructed in 1992, and the building was vacated. The Senior Citizens Council is raising funds to restore the structure.

MONTICELLO NEWS BUILDING Built c. 1859; Classic Revival style The "Family Friend" weekly newspaper was established in 1859 with a subscription rate of $2.00 per year. Its founding editor, F. R. Fildes, strongly defended Jefferson County and advocated railroad and other developmental interests. That first newspaper's journalistic descendent, the Monticello News was housed in a building until 1984. The building's classic details--pilasters, entablature, rhythm and proportion of openings--require careful observation.

REGISTER'S BARBER SHOP Built c. 1875-1884; Classic Revival Style A building which typifies post-Civil War brick commercial structures. Portions of Monticello's business district were leveled by fire in the late 1860's. The original ground floor windows have remained intact through the years.

JACKSON DRUG and HARRIS GROCERY (White Elephant Store) Built c.1878; Classic Revival A highly developed, twin example of the commercial form of Classic Revival architecture. Two three bay gable ends face the street and contain the separate shop premises which were originally a drugstore and a grocery. Although the first floor fenestration has been altered, the second floor sash and pedimented gables are original. There was often a doctor's office above the drug store, an arrangement common in Monticello in earlier times.

SIMMONS DRUG STORE (FMB Annex) Built c. 1853; Classic Revival Significant as one of the original Courthouse circle buildings and as an example of the Classic Revival style applied to a commercial structure. W.A.W. Simmons owned several properties in town during the period when the St. Elmo Hotel and Perkins Opera House were constructed.

WIRICK-SIMMONS HOUSE North Jefferson and Pearl Streets; Built c. 1833; Greek Revival. A two-story and attic frame dwelling, Greek Revival in style and very little changed from its original design. It was built soon after 1831 by Adam Wirick, one of the first Methodist circuit riders in Florida. This is one of the few Greek Revival structures in the state. The detailing of door and window frames is exceptional. It is on the National Register. W. A. Simmons bought the house in 1872 and in 1873 sold half interest to his father, Thomas Simmons. Members of the Simmons family occupied it continuously until 1964. Located on North Jefferson Street, the main route in the 19th century, the clapboard house is noteworthy in its details. The major facade is a quatrostyle monumental portico of the Doric order with a full entablature. There are two symmetrically placed doorways on the first floor with Greek Key cornerblocks for the transoms. On the second floor two superimposed doorways with the same design elements open onto a three bay balcony with sheaf-of-wheat balustrade supported on cast iron brackets. The north facade has a two story, one bay portico protecting the first and second floor entries. The Historical Association purchased this house from a descendant of the Simmons family in 1964. It serves as a museum and Headquarter of the Jefferson County Historical Society. It has been restored to near-original condition since its purchase in February 1964. Edward V. Jones, FAIA, of Albany, Georgia, supervised the restoration. It is furnished consistent with the period; exhibition of Jefferson County items are often on display in the Museum Room. The proceeds of biannual Tours are used to continue the restoration of the House and other preservation projects of the Historical Association.

CLARKE HOUSE Built c. 1890; "I" style The Clarke House - built around 1890, wood, frame two-story "I" style house rich in exterior detail located on a lot of the old "Academy Green". Its builder, Thomas L. Clarke, served as a state legislator and as delegate to the Constitution Convention of 1885. Its builder, Thomas L. Clarke, served as a three-term state legislator and as delegate to the Constitution Convention of 1885. He was also the founder and first president of the Farmers and Merchants Bank. Following his death, his son Judge Scott Dilworth Clarke, the "Dean of the Pork-Chop Gang", and his family occupied the home for many years. The home, owned by Lou and Muriel Waldmann, is now operated as a bed and breakfast and tea room.

SOMEWHERE ELSE (SIMON-RIDGEWAY HOUSE) 625 E. Washington Street; ca 1888; Classic Revival This attractive two-story Classic Revival frame house was built by Abraham and Rachel Simon in 1888 or possibly earlier. Mr. Simon owned and operated a department store in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries. He was involved in the turpentine business and, under the name of Calmetto Company, manufactured and distributed the patented medicine 666 invented by Dr. J. Dabney Palmer. A few years later, possibly 1905, it was remodeled. The north and west porches were removed and replaced by a handsome portico whose large fluted Docia columns are reminiscent of ante-bellum homes. It is interesting to note that these columns were made in Thomasville, Georgia, brought to Monticello on a railroad flat bed, and then transported by oxen to the home. The wide hall with two spacious rooms on each side leads to a sun porch paneled in magnolia wood, a product of Jefferson County. The porch looks out over a camellia garden. The living room, dining room and two bedrooms also are down downstairs. Upstairs is another wide hall adjoining four bedrooms, large bathroom and a seamstress room leading out to a balcony. The house was purchased by R. A. Ridgeway in 1923. He died in 1934, leaving the house to his wife and widow, Mattie L. Ridgeway and his three sons, Richard C., Erwin T. and Emerson R. Ridgeway. Later the home became the property of Emerson Ridgeway a leader in Florida politics. President Harry Truman appointed him United States Post Master, and later President Dwight D. Eisenhower appointed him United States Marshal for the region. The house remained in the Ridgeway family until June 1973. It is now owned by Alex and Sharon Dimuro and operated as a Bed and Breakfast.

CHRISTIAN BLESS HOUSE 695 East Washington Street; Built 1852; Classic Revival style This 1852 house was built for Christian Bless who owned a hotel and livery stable standing just south of the Courthouse. This cottage with its pedimented gable ends, corner pilasters, full cornice and central door with sidelights and transom faced the major 19th century road to the east of town. It shows a Greek Revival influence unusual in this type of home during the period. In 1860, the Methodist Episcopal Church purchased this house for use as a parsonage. The house is presently owned by the Jefferson County Historical Association and funds are being raised for its restoration. The Keystone Genealogical Society uses the building as an historical and genealogical library, an exhibit of photographs and memorabilia from Jefferson County.

GIRARDEAU-WALKER HOUSE East Dogwood Street; Built c. 1890; Colonial Revival style, Queen Anne influence This 1890 house was built by John Howard Girardeau. Few changes have been made in its structure. The style shows a Queen Anne influence. The house has intricate wood detailing in its fireplaces, veranda structural members and railing. Tradition states that Joseph Trummer, an Austrian cabinet maker living in Monticello, carved the newel post and banister of the long stairway leading from the hall to the second floor. The wood detailing in the mantels may have been his work also. This shows signs of having been altered. It faces the Avenue of Oaks. In 1849, William Oglethorpe Girardeau, a graduate of Oglethorpe College, became superintendent of Jefferson Academy. He had come from Midway, Georgia, where his family had lived for many years. John Howard was his son. He became a successful nurseryman, helping to develop the LeConte pear and the paper shell pecan, and was the county's first game warden. He was active in the Jefferson County Truck Farmers Association. John Howard and Caroline Girardeau and their children lived in this house until his death in the early 1900s. Interesting features of the interior are the high ceilings, the unusual staircase in the hall, the mantels and the stained glass in the windows, as well as that around some of the doors. The small solid color glass is original, the larger glass with colored designs is modern. The present owner, Donna Jean Wiehaus, bought the property in 1979. The house now has a dual use, as home and law office.

PALMER HOUSE 335 S. Jefferson Street This frame story and a half house was built by Martin Palmer for his oldest son, John Miles Palmer around 1840. The house remained in the same family until 1959. The original house had four rooms and a center hall on the second floor. Martin Palmer, the builder, moved to Jefferson County with slaves, household goods and nine children in 1829. He became a successful planter, owned a general store and tavern. He served as county commissioner and trustee of the local academy. Other members of the Palmer family made contributions to the community. Most prominent was Thomas Martin Palmer who was appointed by the Governor of Florida as surgeon to the 2nd Regiment, Florida Infantry, in the Civil War, in charge of all Florida hospitals. A number of Palmer descendants in five generations have become practicing physicians. The small office on the corner of the lot was that of Dr. John Dabney Palmer. Dr. Palmer found his interest lay more in pharmacy than in medicine. It was here that he compounded the formula which has become the famous 666 patent medicine. The name is taken from the number of the prescription. Dr. Palmer was appointed in 1889 to the first Board of Pharmacy in Florida. In 1880, the house was sold to John H. Perkins, who was also a prominent businessman. In 1890, he built the Monticello Opera House, which was listed in the National Register in 1972. He was president of the Monticello Board of Trade, a forerunner of the Chamber of Commerce. In 1951, the house was sold by the Perkins heirs to Richard and Dorothy (Conrad) Simpson. Mr. Simpson was Speaker of the House of Representatives of the State of Florida and Chairman of the State Road Board. The restoration goal was to rehabilitate the building as a home, but with the addition of bathrooms to accommodate its use as an inn. The work included reroofing, chimney and flashing repair, restoration of the rear porch and kitchen, exterior and interior painting. Completely new mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems and a fire protection sprinkler system were installed. These components were carefully designed to have a minimum visual and functional impact on the rehabilitated building. All floors were refinished, light fixtures cleaned and rewired. All interior historic building fabric was restored as nearly as possible. The project followed the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Historic Rehabilitations. The house was renovated by the new owners and residents, John and Eleanor Hawkins who operate it as a Bed and Breakfast.

TRELAWN County Road C-158 Pickene Brooks Bird bought a beautiful plantation near Monticello, Florida in 1839. Inspired by the magnificent oaks on the lawn, he named it Trelawn. It began as a cotton plantation, but was engaged other agricultural enterprises. In the late 1800's it had a 100-acre LeConte pear orchard and some of the old trees still bear fruit. The Drifton Post Office was located on a corner of Trelawn; Mrs. Bird was the Postmistress for 50 years. The Bird family became prominent in cotton planting, the nursery business, politics and business. The home was remodeled in the 90s as a bed and breakfast and livery by Tek Marciniak.  It is now the residence of Odis Kendrick and John Workman, and the site of their home-based web specialties catalog, Trelawn Plantation (see dba-Jefferson).  

BUDD-BRASWELL-PAFFORD HOUSE Built c. 1833; Classic Revival The house was built by William Budd, an early Monticello resident and prominent merchant around 1833.. It is located two blocks north of the Wirick-Simmons House. Occasionally called "Gulf Coast Vernacular", the house is a stylish link to other parts of the South. This building is more accurately a five bay, 1½ story Classic Revival structure with incised porch. While its design is similar to the Budd-Rainey House, the Budd-Braswell House, on a far larger scale and raised a half flight above grade, belies the prominence of its builder.

DENHAM-BRINSON HOUSE Built pre-1850; Classic Revival The Denham-Brinson House built by William Denham on North Jefferson Street, displays Greek Revival characteristics. A five bay, 1½ story structure, it has a boxed cornice and an entry portico with full entablature. In addition, its detailing of Greek key cornerblocks and double doors with sidelights and transom is reminiscent of the Wirick-Simmons House. The surrounding picket fence is typical of the 1880s and 1890s streetscape in Monticello.

BAILEY-BRINSON HOUSE Built c. 1885; Italianate style Built by Edward Bradford Bailey, who had interests spread over Florida in banking, general merchandise, cotton, and phosphate. In addition, Bailey served as mayor of Monticello, on the county commission, and in the state legislature.

BAILEY-EPPES HOUSE Built by Grace Ware Bailey age 79, third wife and widow of Gen. William Bailey, to replace an earlier house destroyed by fire the same year. Distinguished style with projecting and bracketed third story cross gables with half-timbering and grouping of 4 windows. Porch support columns are solid and turned, with solid spandrels. A 2-story bay features stained-glass windows. Altogether, a rare style in Florida.

DILWORTH HOUSE Built c. 1853; Classic Revival Dilworth was a prominent attorney who commanded all Confederate troops in the Military District of Middle and East Florida during the Civil War. Resuming his law practice after the war, he adopted the highly unusual position of insisting on upholding the civil rights of the Freedmen. The Dilworth home, like the Methodist parsonage, is a Greek Revival building, although, on a grander scale. It is a five bay, two story structure with a monumental portico of three bays. There is a full entablature, corner pilasters and central door with sidelight and transom, with flanking pilasters carrying a full entablature.

SCOTT-SIMMONS HOUSE Built c. 1855; Classic Revival The Scott-Simmons House, built by Dr. Robert Scott, is the only 2½ story Classic Revival building with incised, two story porch in the county. Like the Budd-Braswell House, there is no attempt to adapt Greek Revival design motifs and the building is, therefore, relatively plain. There is an original detached dependency to the west.

WILLIAM BUDD, JR. HOUSE Built c. 1856; Greek Revival style The Budd House, built by a tobacco warehouseman and son of one of Monticello's earliest citizens, is the latest Greek Revival building in the town. It has pedimented gable ends, pilasters and a full cornice. The main facade is the three bay gable end, with entry through the single side door with sidelights.

BUDD-RAINEY HOUSE Built c. 1858; Classic Revival style The Budd-Rainey House was owned by William and Josiah T. Budd and was probably used by the latter as a dwelling until his own house (9) was built in 1884 (Deed Book F p. 498). The original house was a small one story, two bay Classic Revival structure with incised porch. Later, a similar five bay addition was built to the north with its own central entry. The house is on a much smaller scale than the Budd-Braswell House to the west and is perhaps one of the best examples of a typical North Florida home of the early 19th century. The full-length porch included under the main roof, the flush-mounted siding (smooth surface) of the porch elevation, and the rectangular capitals are classic elements which give the impression of symmetry, balance and stability. The Budd Store is to the north.

TURNBULL-EVANS HOUSE Built c. 1880; Italianate style The Turnbull-Evans House is one of the two Italianate buildings in the district. This frame house with original ell wing has a low hip roof with an octagonal glazed and shattered cupola. Both the cupola and the eaves of the house are bracketed and there is a bay window on the first floor eastern facade. Cubic appearance, balanced chimneys prominent eave projections and low hipped roof with cupola characterize the Italianate houses found in Monticello. One element of the style is a floor-length window sash, usually 2/4 paned. Its lower, 6 foot high frame raises into a wall hollow, creating a doorway.

BAILEY-BRINSON HOUSE Built c. 1880; Italianate style The second Italianate house, the Bailey-Brinson House was built by Edward B. Bailey, a local cotton merchant and member of the state senate. Again, there is a glazed and shuttered cupola, in this case square, on the hip roof. The deep cornices of both house and bracketed and the original detached kitchen is located to the north.

BAILEY-EPPES HOUSE Built c.1886; Stick Style The Bailey-Eppes House was built by Mrs. G. A. Bailey in the Stick Style. The large house has varied massing, roof slopes, facade finishes, window treatments and porches. In particular, there is applied stick work in the gable ends, and between bay windows, bracketed cornices and composite window designs.

DENHAM-BRINSON HOUSE Built pre-1850; Classic Revival The house, which dates from 1840s, is a one and one-half story Greek Revival featuring Greek key door and window cornerblocks, full entablatures and porticos. The half acre lot has remnants of a picket fence. Three exterior additions to the house occurred in the 1880s. First, a back porch spanning the complete west side of the original house; second the kitchen was added to the northwest corner of the house, and the adjoining north portion of the porch was enclosed. The third and final exterior addition was a bay window added to the north wall of the dining room. The foyer and living room contained detailed baseboards and woodwork surrounding the doorways and windows. The dinning room and living room have beautiful plaster walls and ceilings, plaster ceiling medallions, and plaster cornice moldings. This work was designed by the nationally known architect Edward Vason Jones of Albany, Georgia, who redesigned the State Department's Reception Rooms in Washington D.C. Although the actual builder is unknown, the Denham-Brinson House was constructed for William Denham, a local merchant and county judge. In 1823 William Denham moved from Dunbar, Scotland to Monticello (via Baltimore) with his two sisters and three brothers. In 1851, he along with four other prominent citizens, financed the building of the Southern Rights Manufacturing Association, which was a local cotton mill employing 65 paid laborers. One of Florida's first industrial experiments, it became the area's largest and most successful cotton mill until the enterprise collapsed during reconstruction. William's son James, who served as mayor and as representative in the State House, moved into the house upon his father's death. The house is presently owned by John Brinson who has completed major restoration to the home.

TWELVE OAKS SR 149 Northwest of Monticello; Built c. 1895 This Victorian Queen Anne farmhouse was first owned by D. L. Pierson, whose business, Summit Nurseries, was located on the property. The property was purchased on September 1, 1904 by H. K. Miller. It was Mr. Miller, who in 1908, raised the two-story house to build the first floor underneath. The home still has much of its original woodwork (the pieces were milled specifically for the house and stamped "H. K. Miller") and many of the original mantels and tile. The "curley pine" paneling in the front foyer is most unusual. The garden includes massive oaks which give the house its name, camellias and azaleas. The home was by restored John and Audrey Durst who operated it as a Bed and Breakfast. It was sold in 1995 to James Diahl.

SIMKINS HOUSE Built c. 1884; Classic Revival Style This saddlebag (central chimney) type Classic Revival structure is uncommon in N. Florida. Note that the size of the cornice brackets, under each roof edge, changes and is proportional to the run of the eaves. Built about 1844 by Smith Simkins, a lawyer who served as Jefferson County sheriff and ex-officio tax collector in the 1840s.

HENRY MALLOY HOUSE Built c. 1884; "I" style, Queen Anne influence Elaborately jig-sawed tracery at each gable and monogram on front porch: John M. Henry established the Monticello Power Co., operated a lumber mill and sales yard, and was a member of the city council for 18 years.

DENHAM-LACY HOUSE Built c. 1873; Italianate style John Denham's St. Marks factorage (seaport merchant) handled cotton, purchased supplies and provided crop-cycle credit services for the plantation families. His businesses depended on the financial and trade route patterns existing prior to 1860. The decline of the plantation as the basic economic unit after the Civil War, was rail links to Jacksonville and especially to Savannah caused John Denham to move back to Monticello. He then established a partnership with a New York firm. His residence was a fine example of the Italianate style.

FINLAYSON-KELLY HOUSE Built 1904; Queen Anne style A very late, but well designed and crafted Queen Anne house in Monticello. D. A. Finlayson served as attorney, bank president, state senator, chairman of Courthouse building-committee and as president of the Atlanta-Tampa Highway Association. The latter organization was responsible for hard-surfacing route 19 from the state line to Perry in the 1920s.

CUTHBERT HOUSE Built c. 1840; Classic Revival style Simple, well-proportioned, and enhanced by its fanlight, this residence is an excellent example of the early Classic Revival style. John A. Cuthbert was a prominent local leader who helped to found the Masonic Lodge in mid 1830s and was active in local political resolutions calling for the establishment of State government.

LYNDHURST PLANTATION Off State Road 146 (Ashville Highway) The 3,500 acres on which the house stands were bought by Colonel William John Bailey, a nephew of General William Bailey, in 1850 and the house itself, begun in 1850, was completed in 1855. There are two cemeteries on the place, one where Colonel Bailey and members of his family are buried, the second contains graves of other families. This Greek Revival house has a large central hall with two rooms on each side. The rooms measure 25 by 25 feet with 18 foot ceilings. The two and one-half story house is constructed of hand-made brick on the lower portion with the upper floors of wood. Some of the wood was obtained locally and some from Governor Drew's sawmill at Ellaville, Florida. The interior of the mansion contains elaborate touches, such as dentilled moulding in each room, and paneled ceilings. Doors are paneled oak and the flooring, which is original, is composed of nine-inch wide pine plants. There is a hand-carved cornice in Greek Motif above the sliding doors which separate the parlor from the dining room. There are eight fireplaces in the house, all with wooden mantels. The house is surrounded on the southwest by numerous outbuildings. Among there are a stable, corn crib, tobacco barns and a workshop. Lyndhurst is the only old plantation in Jefferson County with the original house still standing and which has been in continual use since its construction. Lyndhurst was owned and lived in by the Bailey family and their descendants until 1965 when it was bought by Dr. and Mrs. William Bippus. Mrs. Bippus is the former Myrtle Henry, of Monticello and is a collateral descendant of Florida's first elected governor, William Mosley.

DIXIE PLANTATION Off State Road 146 (Ashville Highway) The handsome white columned brick residence on Dixie Plantation was built by Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Livingston of New York, in 1930. The architect was the eminent John Russell Pope who designed a number of important buildings in Washington, D.C. One of the outstanding features of the interior is the beautifully proportioned paneled living room brought from London by the architect and incorporated in the house. The paneling is attributed to the Adam Brothers and supplies a perfect background for the antique English furniture. Included in the furnishings is a rent table said to have belonged to Charles Dickens and used in his office. The large dining room has a noteworthy collection of Meissen and other china. A rare Irish huntboard and a Waterford glass chandelier was unusually fine. The oriental rugs and tapestries throughout the house are of exceptional quality. Italian marble mantels are used on the lower floor. Many paintings by Tait hang in the various rooms.

EDGEWOOD PLANTATION Magnificent old live oaks and tall pines provide a perfect setting for the Edgewood Plantation house. It is believed that this plantation was once the site of an Indian encampment and that the land was cleared as early as 1825. The property was bought in 1887 by Charles Pugsley of New York State, and inherited by his son, Edwin. A small dwelling built earlier was incorporated in the present house as the living room. The Pugsleys added a wing, a second story and an attic. Edgewood was purchased in 1970 by Mr. and Mrs. M. J. DiBiase.

PASCO-ANDERSON HOUSE 710 W. Washington Street Samuel Pasco, who built this large comfortable frame house in the 1880's, was one of Monticello's most distinguished citizens. He was born in London, England, in 1834. Later his family moved to Boston, Massachusetts. In 1858 he graduated from Harvard University and in 1859 came to Florida as principal of Waukeenah Academy. He taught there until 1861, when he and 15 of his students, enlisted in the Jefferson Rifles, 3rd Florida Infantry and fought in the Civil War until its close. Following his return to Monticello, he became a lawyer. He was clerk of the court of Jefferson County, chairman of the Democratic Executive Committee of the state, President of Constitutional Convention of 1885 and Speaker of the Florida House in 1887, the same year he was elected to the U.S. Senate and served there 12 years. He was appointed by President McKinley to the Panama Canal Commission. Pasco County was named for him. He died in Monticello in 1917. This house was then owned by his son John, who enlarged and renovated it in 1925 and lived here until 1935. Judge Charles C. Anderson and his wife purchased the house in 1978.

ASA MAY PLANTATION U.S. 19 Nine Miles South of Monticello at Capps

The Asa May House exhibits characteristic of the Greek Revival style, interpreted in a provincial setting. The exterior is constructed of cypress, the interior of heart pine. The bricks used for the chimneys and piers were made on the place. There appear to be no additions and only a few minor alterations. Architectural evidence indicates that the hours was built circa 1840. It is one of the few early plantation houses still standing in Jefferson County and is structurally sound today.