Florida’s Adventure Coast, Brooksville-Weeki Wachee, offers many interesting destinations of historical significance, along with cultural locations.
MORE HISTORY TO DISCOVER
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Florida’s Adventure Coast is brimming with history. Our many historic sites include eight locations listed on the National Register of Historic Places, among others. This itinerary is sure to excite both the curious journeyer and the history buff.
Explore and learn about the many cultures that took part in our Florida’s history – from early Native Americans, to the first settlers who risked everything to uproot and make this their new home.
Discover the localities, marked by history, and enjoy the attractions along the way! This includes an interactive tour called, Tour BVL, established to document the history of downtown Brooksville and to provide a resource where people can learn about and explore the historic homes and buildings located in the City of Brooksville.
Currently, there are twenty historical building listed on the tour, but Executive Director of Brooksville Main Street, Natalie Kahler, plans to add up to 200. This has been a collaborative effort between the Historic Heritage Museum, Historic Preservation Society, libraries, and the Women’s Club.
CHINSEGUT HILL HISTORIC SITE
Built in 1845, the Chinsegut Hill Historic Site is a stately two-story manor house poised atop one of central Florida’s highest hilltops. It is the centerpiece of a 114-acre estate surrounded by ancient Spanish moss-draped oaks and natural habitat. On the National Register of Historic Places, the Chinsegut Hill Museum, located in Hernando County, is brimming with artifacts and rich history. During the 1920s and 1930s, when owned by Colonel & Elizabeth Robins, the manor hosted such guests as Thomas Edison, Helen Keller, and Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, among others. Today, the historic site is open to the public for tours on weekends.
EXPLORE ALL HISTORICAL SITES & MARKERS
florida history lives here
THE TRAIN DEPOT
The Train Depot has been in the same location since it was built in 1885. As part of the Rails to Trails program, the old railroad track bed is now the Good Neighbor Trail, running parallel to the Depot. The 1885 Train Depot Museum is made up of four parts. The Office, where passengers came to buy their tickets, arrange for freight shipment, and send telegrams. In this area visitors will learn about the history of Hernando County starting with the Seminole Indian Wars through to early settlements, and the building of the depot.
The freight room houses train artifacts and displays depicting historical railroad events. Two HO model train exhibits delight kids and adults alike. Here you’ll see original objects used by early settlers as they struggled to survive in the wilderness of Hernando County. On the enclosed dock of the museum, ring the bell, sound the siren, or take your child’s picture sitting in an original 1925 LaFrance Fire Engine; the first fire engine purchased by the City of Brooksville.
The Box Car, was discovered by Ron Daniel, a Southwest Florida Water Management employee, who discovered the abandoned car in a swampy area southeast of Brooksville in Sumter County. It was hauled to the Brooksville Train Depot and restored. The work car’s normal function was to transport workers to work, but the box car could be used provide space for cooking and eating, sleeping, office work, and machinery operations.
COUNTRYMAN FAMILY ONE ROOM SCHOOLHOUSE
The Countryman Family One Room Schoolhouse is reminiscent of the First Schoolhouse in Hernando County built in 1852 by Fredrick Lykes. A visit to this charming re-creation will transport you back in time to experience school lessons while sitting in authentic wooden desks. Interactive lessons include the three R’s and life skills like carrying water jugs from the local well.
Experience the interactive classroom and early life in the state of Florida…
The Richloam General Store was built and founded by Sidney Brinson on June 28th, 1922. The building served as the Express office, the Post Office, and the general store for the community of Richloam until January 31st, 1936. In 2016 the building underwent a major renovation and reopened in 2017. Visitors are transported back in time as they browse vintage cookware, locally canned jams and preserves and old-fashioned sweets; all authentically correct for the era. Sit in the rocking chairs and relax. Chat with the owners and learn the history of this nostalgic gem.
Richloam General Store has now been added to the United States National Register of Historic Places.
RICHLOAM GENERAL STORE
HISTORICAL GHOST TOURS
HAUNTED THRILLS
The May-Stringer House is a four-story, seven-gable, 14 room, gingerbread trimmed “Painted Lady” Victorian-era home overlooking the City of Brooksville. The Hernando Historical Museum Association has created exhibit rooms with a Victorian feel, with several rooms devoted to specific themes such as an Elegant Dining Room, Victorian Bedrooms, Military Room, an 1880’s Doctor’s Office, and a 1900s Communication Room. The house is on the National Register of Historic Places and open to the public for tours.
The May-Stringer House is considered one of the top five haunted locations in Florida, and they offer ghost tours on weekends for those brave enough to experience it.
The Rich History of Florida's Adventure Coast
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Countryman Family One Room Schoolhouse – A History Lesson on Florida’s Adventure Coast
The Countryman Family One Room Schoolhouse is reminiscent of the First Schoolhouse on Florida’s Adventure Coast, Brooksville-Weeki Wachee, built in 1852 by Fredrick Lykes.
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Under the Radar on Florida’s Adventure Coast
Florida’s Adventure Coast, Brooksville-Weeki Wachee, is home to some iconic and fun attractions. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, home to the World-Famous Mermaids celebrates 75 years in October 2022. Lead Foot City, home to All Things Automotive, offers four-wheeled fun
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Discover History and Heritage on Florida’s Adventure Coast
Home to historic homes, museums, and unique cultural sites, Florida’s Adventure Coast, Brooksville – Weeki Wachee offers many interesting places to discover the history of those who lived before us. Our heritage sites include ten locations on the National Register
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Affordable Adventures in Brooksville – Weeki Wachee
With all of its natural wonders, scenic towns and unique cultural sites, there’s no reason a trip to Florida has to break the bank. The sunshine state has no shortage of budget-friendly attractions to discover, and Florida’s Adventure Coast is
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Richloam General Store – History on Florida’s Adventure Coast
In the tiny town of Richloam, population 12,000, sits Richloam General Store. A true piece of American History which has endured since the early 20th century.
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May-Stringer Historical House
Certified as one of the top five haunted houses in Florida, the May-Stringer Historical House is a 4 story, seven gable, gingerbread trim, 14 room “Painted Lady” Victorian era home overlooking the City of Brooksville on Florida's Adventure Coast, Brooksville-Weeki
