Travel across Florida's panhandle for the state's representative during the 1820s was difficult. Governmental business alternated between St. Augustine and Pensacola for a few years until Tallahassee was chosen for a permanent site in 1824. The first meetings were held in log cabins until 1845 when a new brick capitol building was completed, just in time as Florida joined the Union, in 1845. Major alterations in 1902 added two additional wings.
As Florida's population continued to grow the need for a larger capitol building was realized. A 22 story Capitol Complex building was completed in 1977 and the old capitol building was slated for demolition. Fortunately the white stucco, neo-Classical building was saved and restored to its 1902 appearance. The old capitol building is open as a museum, displaying state historical exhibits as well as the classic interior.