Historical People and Places

Honoring the History of the Fort Braden Community

Fort Braden History Walk Historical People and Places Community Trail Markers

Historical Figures from the Fort Braden Area

Braden Castle

State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory

Doctor Joseph Addison Braden, native Virginian, came from Tallahassee and moved to the Manatee River in the early 1840s. By 1850 he purchased approximately 900 acres of land and began construction of his "Castle." The "Castle" was unsuccessfully attacked by the Seminoles in 1856, but was later abandoned and destroyed through fire in 1903.

Hugh Black

State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory

In 1866, Captain Hugh Black settled on the Ocklocknee River, near Fort Braden, after he had served in both the Third Seminole War and the Civil War. His political career began here when he was elected a clerk in the legislature in 1868. He was also a Leon County Commissioner for District 4.

Country Store - Fort Braden Region

State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory

Fort Braden had a school, a blacksmith shop, a grist mill, and a cotton gin. This country store is reputedly from the region.

George Ward

State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory

Fort Braden was named for Virginia Braden, formerly Virginia Ward. Virginia married Dr. Joseph Braden, a prominent citizen of Tallahassee. Virginia was the daughter of Leon County plantation owner George T. Ward.

Elizabeth Black Stoutamire

State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory

One of Fort Braden's first schoolteachers, Mrs. Lizzie Black Stoutamire.

The Fort Braden Community has a long history of progress, traditions, and memories. The photos on display honor the community's history by highlighting the legacy of Fort Braden's people and spaces. Contribute your own historical photos to the gallery by submitting them using the form below!

Fort Braden Community History

Please note: by uploading photos, you are giving Leon County CMR permission to use these photos for the promotion of this event which can include online, on social media, or through internal emails.

1883 Tax Cadastral Map of Leon County View Full Size Map

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Historical People and Places

Honoring the History of the Fort Braden Community

Braden Castle

Hugh Black

Country Store - Fort Braden Region

George Ward

Elizabeth Black Stoutamire

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