QUINCY,  FLORIDA

By  Mike Miller Updated March 27, 2024

Quincy, Florida Things To Do, Lodging, Dining, & Real Estate At End Of Article

Quincy is a small town of about 8,000 people that is the county seat of Gadsden County in North Central Florida.  It is about 20 miles west northwest of Tallahassee.

Gadsden County Courthouse, Quincy, FloridaGadsden County Courthouse. Photo by Ebyabe

The beautiful old Gadsden County courthouse is downtown in the middle of everything.

The town is a good example of southern architecture from the era before the Civil War and during the Victorian period. 

Several buildings and places in Quincy are on the National Register of Historic Places.

These landmarks include the E.B. Shelfer House, the John Lee McFarlin House, the Quincy Library and the Soldiers Cemetery.

The city of Quincy is a Florida Main Street community, and has a beautiful downtown area loaded with old historic buildings, restaurants and shops.

Quincy, Florida Soldiers CemeterySoldiers Cemetery, Quincy, Florida

There are quite a few "Coca Cola" millionaires in Quincy.

Once upon a time, Quincy was the richest town per capita in the United States of America.

Coke money built a town cultural center, sent many local kids to college, and even today in the 21st century gives Quincy an advantage that most small Florida towns do not have.

The Coke story started with the town banker, Mark Welch "Mr. Pat" Munroe. In the 1920's and 1930's Mr. Munroe told everybody in town to buy Coca-Cola shares, and to never sell them.

Quincy, Florida Banker Mr. MunroeMark Welch Munroe, State Archives of Florida

He would even lend money to depositors so they could buy the stock.

Mr. Munroe noticed that even during the depression, people would spend their last nickel on a cold Coke. He thought that was one of the things that would make it a good permanent investment.

He was right. A share of Coke went for $40 in 1919, and with splits and dividends that share is worth millions today.

Income from Coke dividends saved this farm town in the Great Depression of the 1930's, and in every recession since then.

We learned recently from Jacqueline Munroe, the great-great-grandaughter of Mr. Munroe,  that although he was called "Mr. Pat" or "Daddy Pat" by his family, his real name was Mark Welch Munroe.

Coca Cola Sign in Quincy, FloridaCoca Cola Sign in Quincy, Florida

She says that a family legend has it that the feds came to arrest him for keeping his bank open during the notorious "bank holiday" when the federal government closed almost all of the banks.

They were unable to take him in, however, since the arrest warrant was made out for a Pat Munroe, who did not exist.  

People all over the world like Coke.

They really really like it in Quincy, Florida and are very grateful to Mr. Munroe.

Quincy Florida Vintage Postcard

Today, while Quincy still has its Old Florida feel, there is plenty to keep you visit while enjoying your visit.

The Gadsden Arts Center and Museum is right off the main drag of West Jefferson Street on North Madison Street.  

There are a number of golf courses, and for outdoor enthusiasts there are many nature trails an parks.

Visit nearby Natural Bridge Battlefield State Park to find a picnic area or do some hiking.  It's also a great place to learn some of the area's history.

The park is the location of where the largest Civil War battle in Florida took place.

Downtown Quincy, with its historic district, has many buildings on the National Historic Registry.  It offers an eclectic quality of life that appeals to residents and tourists alike.

It is a neighborhood with old time charm along with modern touches.  It's a perfect place to spend the day where you will find a large variety of shops and restaurants.

The downtown features frequent live music events and farmers markets, and is a very walkable neighborhood for looking at historic homes or visiting local cemeteries.

There are plenty of places to stay in Quincy such as the Millhouse Inn, formerly the historic Allison House Inn.



QUINCY, FLORIDA INTERACTIVE GOOGLE MAP




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