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Monticello, Florida: A Southern Gem Unveiled

An academic exploration of Monticello's rich history, unique geography, and vibrant community in the heart of Jefferson County.

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What is Monticello?

A City of Significance

Monticello is the sole incorporated city and the county seat of Jefferson County, Florida, United States. Its nomenclature pays homage to Monticello, the esteemed estate of Thomas Jefferson, the county's namesake. The architectural design of the Jefferson County Courthouse notably draws inspiration from this historic estate.

Demographic Snapshot

According to the 2020 census, Monticello recorded a population of 2,589 residents. The city is an integral part of the broader Tallahassee metropolitan area, contributing to the region's cultural and economic landscape.

Cultural Landmarks

Monticello is distinguished by its numerous historic buildings and significant archaeological sites, including ancient Indian mounds. Among its prominent landmarks are the Perkins Opera House, a venue for cultural performances, and the Monticello Old Jail Museum, offering insights into the area's past.

History & Culture

Perkins Opera House

The Perkins Opera House, a notable 19th-century mercantile structure, has been thoughtfully repurposed into a vibrant theater. It serves as a central hub for the arts in Monticello, regularly hosting a diverse array of musical performances and theatrical productions. Additionally, its elegant first-floor ballroom provides a distinguished setting for various receptions and community gatherings.

Howard Academy's Legacy

Howard Academy, originally constructed in 1936, was established to serve African American students in the region. In 1960, a new facility for African American students was built in southeastern Monticello, also bearing the name Howard Academy. A pivotal moment in the city's history occurred in 1967 when schools in Monticello underwent integration. Recognizing its profound historical significance, the Old Howard Academy was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2021.

Historic Sites

Preserving the Past

Monticello is home to a collection of historically significant sites, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the city's heritage. These landmarks offer valuable insights into the architectural, social, and cultural evolution of the region.

  • Bethel School
  • Christ Episcopal Church
  • Denham-Lacy House
  • Jefferson County Courthouse (Florida)
  • Letchworth Mounds
  • Lyndhurst Plantation
  • Monticello High School (Florida)
  • Monticello Historic District
  • Monticello Old Jail Museum
  • Palmer House
  • Palmer-Perkins House
  • Perkins Opera House
  • Wirick-Simmons House

Geography

Location and Dimensions

Monticello is strategically situated in the northern part of Jefferson County, Florida. Geographically, its coordinates are 30ยฐ32โ€ฒ41โ€ณN 83ยฐ52โ€ฒ02โ€ณW. The city encompasses a total area of 4.0 square miles (10.3 km2), all of which is land, with no significant water bodies within its municipal limits.

Transportation Network

The city's infrastructure is well-connected by key transportation arteries. U.S. Route 90 traverses the city center as Washington Street, providing access eastward to Greenville (16 miles/26 km) and westward to Tallahassee (26 miles/42 km). U.S. Route 19, known as Jefferson Street within the city, extends southward to Capps (10 miles/16 km) and northward to Thomasville, Georgia (22 miles/35 km).

These two major highways converge at Courthouse Circle, which encircles the Jefferson County Courthouse in the heart of Monticello. Furthermore, US-19 offers a direct route south for 5 miles (8 km) to Interstate 10 at Exit 225, linking Monticello to Tallahassee (25 miles/40 km west) and Lake City (82 miles/132 km east).

Climate

Humid Subtropical Environment

Monticello experiences a humid subtropical climate, classified as Cfa under the Kรถppen climate classification system. This climate is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. The city holds a notable record for the highest temperature ever recorded in Florida, reaching 109 ยฐF (43 ยฐC) on June 29, 1931.

Climate data for Monticello 5 SE, Florida, 1991โ€“2020 normals, extremes 1904โ€“2017
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high ยฐF (ยฐC) 85
(29)
88
(31)
92
(33)
95
(35)
106
(41)
109
(43)
107
(42)
104
(40)
103
(39)
99
(37)
91
(33)
84
(29)
109
(43)
Mean daily maximum ยฐF (ยฐC) 62.7
(17.1)
67.1
(19.5)
73.3
(22.9)
79.1
(26.2)
85.7
(29.8)
89.6
(32.0)
90.7
(32.6)
90.1
(32.3)
87.2
(30.7)
80.3
(26.8)
71.4
(21.9)
65.1
(18.4)
78.5
(25.8)
Daily mean ยฐF (ยฐC) 51.5
(10.8)
54.8
(12.7)
60.7
(15.9)
66.5
(19.2)
73.4
(23.0)
79.1
(26.2)
80.9
(27.2)
80.5
(26.9)
77.2
(25.1)
68.6
(20.3)
59.4
(15.2)
53.7
(12.1)
67.2
(19.6)
Mean daily minimum ยฐF (ยฐC) 40.3
(4.6)
42.5
(5.8)
48.1
(8.9)
53.9
(12.2)
61.1
(16.2)
68.6
(20.3)
71.0
(21.7)
70.9
(21.6)
67.2
(19.6)
56.9
(13.8)
47.5
(8.6)
42.4
(5.8)
55.9
(13.3)
Record low ยฐF (ยฐC) 3
(โˆ’16)
14
(โˆ’10)
18
(โˆ’8)
31
(โˆ’1)
38
(3)
44
(7)
54
(12)
58
(14)
36
(2)
28
(โˆ’2)
13
(โˆ’11)
7
(โˆ’14)
3
(โˆ’16)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 4.81
(122)
4.01
(102)
5.29
(134)
4.12
(105)
3.82
(97)
7.62
(194)
7.49
(190)
7.53
(191)
5.46
(139)
3.31
(84)
2.79
(71)
3.68
(93)
59.93
(1,522)
Average precipitation days (โ‰ฅ 0.01 in) 9.1 7.4 9.2 6.4 5.8 11.7 15.0 13.2 8.7 5.0 5.8 7.7 105.0

Demographics

Population Trends

Monticello's population has experienced various fluctuations throughout its history, reflecting broader demographic shifts. Understanding these trends provides valuable context for the city's development and community composition.

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%ยฑ
1850329โ€”
18601,083229.2%
18701,052โˆ’2.9%
18901,218โ€”
19001,076โˆ’11.7%
19101,82970.0%
19201,704โˆ’6.8%
19301,90111.6%
19402,0427.4%
19502,26410.9%
19602,49010.0%
19702,473โˆ’0.7%
19802,99421.1%
19902,573โˆ’14.1%
20002,533โˆ’1.6%
20102,506โˆ’1.1%
20202,5893.3%

Racial and Ethnic Composition

The demographic makeup of Monticello reflects a diverse community, as detailed by the United States Census data. These statistics provide a comprehensive overview of the racial and ethnic backgrounds of its residents over time.

Monticello city, Florida โ€“ Racial and ethnic composition
Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.
Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) Pop 2000 Pop 2010 Pop 2020 % 2000 % 2010 % 2020
White (NH) 1,175 1,058 1,208 46.39% 42.22% 46.66%
Black or African American (NH) 1,285 1,349 1,242 50.73% 53.83% 47.97%
Native American or Alaska Native (NH) 3 0 5 0.12% 0.00% 0.19%
Asian (NH) 15 17 7 0.59% 0.68% 0.27%
Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian (NH) 2 0 3 0.08% 0.00% 0.12%
Other race (NH) 0 0 5 0.00% 0.00% 0.19%
Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) 20 29 70 0.79% 1.16% 2.70%
Hispanic or Latino (any race) 33 53 49 1.30% 2.11% 1.89%
Total 2,533 2,506 2,589 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%

Household and Economic Data (2020)

The 2020 United States census provides detailed insights into the socio-economic fabric of Monticello:

  • There were 2,589 people residing in the city.
  • The city comprised 1,120 households and 711 families.
  • The median household income was reported as $43,780.
  • Approximately 27.3% of the population aged 25 years and older held a Bachelor's Degree or higher.
  • The employment rate stood at 49.2%.
  • A total of 1,323 housing units were recorded within the city limits.

Notable People

Figures of Influence

Monticello has been home to, or associated with, several individuals who have achieved prominence in various fields, contributing to the city's legacy and beyond.

  • James Patton Anderson, commander of the 1st Florida Infantry Regiment during the American Civil War, lived in Monticello.
  • Allen Boyd, politician.
  • Ryal Long, state legislator during the Reconstruction era.
  • Bobby Thigpen, Major League Baseball relief pitcher, set a record for most saves in a season (57) in 1990, which stood for 18 years.
  • Willie "Chicken" Thompson, celebrated mid-late 20th century Chicago White Sox clubhouse manager and chef.
  • Jack Youngblood, professional football player.
  • Tarlos Thomas, former Florida State Seminoles and NFL player.
  • Sam Madison, former Miami Dolphins player.
  • Zach Norton, Cincinnati Bearcats/Baltimore Ravens player.
  • Robert Wilson, NFL player.
  • Clemon Johnson, NBA player.
  • Tony Robinson, NFL player.

Education

Public School System

Public education in Monticello is managed by Jefferson County Schools. The district operates various educational institutions, including the Jefferson County Middle / High School, which serves the community's students.

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References

References

  1.  U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Monticello, Florida
  2.  Sullivan, Paul "'Last Comiskey' stirs memories of a lovable Chicago White Sox team and its iconic ballpark" Chicago Tribune February 26, 2023
A full list of references for this article are available at the Monticello, Florida Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional historical research, urban planning, or demographic analysis. Always refer to official municipal records, academic historical texts, and expert analyses for specific inquiries regarding Monticello, Florida. Never disregard professional insights because of something you have read on this website.

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