Goodwood Museum & Gardens

Goodwood Museum & Gardens in Tallahassee is a historic estate that traces nearly two centuries of North Florida history. Originally part of a land grant awarded to Marquis de Lafayette in 1825, the property evolved from a large cotton plantation worked by enslaved people into a winter retreat for wealthy Northerners.

Over the years, Goodwood was shaped by several influential owners, including the Croom, Hopkins, Arrowsmith, Tiers, and Hodges families. Each left their mark on the estate's landscape, architecture, and purpose. By the 20th century, the property transitioned from a working plantation to a refined residence used for leisure, politics, and social gatherings.

Today, Goodwood serves as a museum and public greenspace, preserving its historic buildings and gardens while hosting events, programs, and exhibitions. The estate stands as a powerful reminder of the region’s complex past and a place for the community to connect through history, art, and celebration.