Tallahassee - San Luis Archaeological and Historic Site

Mission San Luis contained one of the largest Spanish missions in Florida. Franciscan monks founded the mission here around 1655 to convert the local Apalachee Indians to Christianity. The community grew for nearly 50 years, with close to 1,500 people here in 1675. In 1704, British forces invaded the area and the residents burned the village as they fled to Pensacola and St. Augustine. Today, visitors can see the remains of some of the mission buildings and observe archaeological research in action. There are various historical artifacts displayed in the visitor center. As well, there is a reconstruction of a Spanish New World village with costumed guides playing the role of early settlers. Within the village, one will find an Apalachee chief's house, a smithy's workshop, a weaver's shop, a church and more.