Standing atop one of the highest points in Tallahassee, the Call-Collins Mansion at The Grove was constructed in the Greek Revival style, around 1836, by Richard Keith Call, two-time Florida Territorial Governor and an ardent Unionist who openly and strongly opposed secession.

When informed in January 1861 by jubilant secessionists that Florida had withdrawn from the Union, Call is said to have prophetically replied, You have opened the gates of Hell, from which shall flow the curses of the damned which shall sink you to perdition!

When Call died in 1862, his oldest surviving daughter, Ellen Call Long, inherited The Grove. Long remained remained at The Grove during the Civil War while her son, Richard Call Long, served in the Confederate 2nd and 5th Florida Cavalry.

In 1883, she published her historical memoir, Florida Breezes, which provides unique details of antebellum and Civil War events in Florida.

From 1850 through the 1930s, the property was home to a silkworm farm, dancing and art classes, and served as a boarding house and hotel.

Mary Call Collins, great-granddaughter of Richard Keith Call, and her husband and future Florida Governor, LeRoy Collins, purchased the home in 1940. The Grove flourished under their nearly seventy years of ownership.

In 1985, the Collins family deeded The Grove to the state of Florida for use as an historic house museum. With the passing of Mary Call Collins in 2009, the Florida Department of State has initiated historic rehabilitation of the home, and is developing programs, exhibits and educational opportunities to reflect the legacy of the Call and Collins families. The property is undergoing restoration, and is scheduled to open to the public as an educational center and history museum in late 2012.

One of Florida’s premier historic sites, The Grove embodies nearly two centuries of Florida history representing public service and leadership, community and family.

http://flheritage.com/grove

Information Provided by the Florida Department of State.