Frenchtown.

Frenchtown holds the deep history of Tallahassee, a place where early French settlement gave way to a powerful African-American legacy, still felt today.

Frenchtown sits just north of the FSU campus, a half-square-mile stretch of Tallahassee with a story to tell. This is the city's oldest surviving African-American neighborhood, a place established by newly freed people after the Civil War. Before that, French immigrants settled here in the early 1800s, following the Lafayette Land Grant. For decades, Frenchtown became the business, social, and entertainment center for Black Tallahassee during segregation, a place where history was made and music filled the air, shaping much of the city's cultural landscape.

You can still feel that legacy today. The Frenchtown Historic Marker Trail guides you through the streets, sharing stories of the past and celebrating this rich heritage. The legendary Red Bird Cafe once hosted musicians like Louis Armstrong, James Brown, and Ray Charles. While the Red Bird is gone, the B Sharps Jazz Club continues that musical tradition, keeping the sounds alive for a new generation. You can also visit the Taylor House Museum of Historic Frenchtown, which sits right on the edge of College Town, or grab a drink at The Tally Strip, a local bar.

The legendary Red Bird Cafe once hosted music giants, and the B Sharps Jazz Club keeps that musical spirit alive today.

Frenchtown is a place to walk, to learn, and to remember. It offers a direct connection to Tallahassee's deep roots and its enduring spirit, a testament to resilience and community. Scroll down to see all the places and events that make Frenchtown unique.