Tallahassee - St. Marks Railroad Historical Chronology
Below is a brief history of the St. Mark's Trail and how it has been used in the past. There are current plans for extending the trail for more bicycle and pedestrian use.
- 1824 Site of Tallahassee chosen for the Territorial Capital
- 1835 Legislative Council approves Tallahassee Railroad Company
- 1835 Construction begins on the Tallahassee St. Marks Railroad
- 1835 Tallahassee Rail Road Company receives first federal land grant to a railroad
- 1837 Tallahassee-St. Marks railroad begins operation
- 1838 Railroad extended three miles south to Port Leon
- 1843 Port Leon destroyed by hurricane. Railroad terminal moved back to St. Marks
- 1856 Wooden rails are replaced by steel rails and mules are replaced by locomotives
- 1861-1865 Railroad used to transport Confederate troops between Tallahassee, Camp Leon, Camp Simkins and St. Marks
- 1880 Railroad used as transportation for naval stores and logging industries
- 1983 Seaboard Railroad files to have railroad abandoned between Capital Circle and St. Marks
- 1984 Florida Department of Transportation purchases abandoned right-of-way
- 1985 Private citizens organize the Tallahassee-St. Marks Rails to Trails Coalition
- 1986 Florida Governor and Cabinet pass resolution to convert right-of-way into Florida's first rail-trail
- 1987 Legislature appropriates funds for construction and operation of St. Marks Trail
- 1988 Trail dedicated at opening ceremonies in Woodville
- 1989 St. Marks Trail Association incorporated
Now that you know a little more about where the trail has been you can enjoy it even more as you embark on your journey.