The Palmetto Pioneers: A Self-Guided Monticello Walking Tour

Overview

Monticello’s homes and historic streets tell the story of a small Southern town’s journey from an optimistic frontier settlement to the Civil War. On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll follow the true story of Mary Adeline Walker and her husband William (central characters in the Palmetto Pioneers book series) through Monticello’s remarkably preserved historic district. The tour begins at the Jefferson County Courthouse Circle, where citizens first learned Florida had achieved statehood in 1845. As you walk, you’ll discover how Jefferson County became one of Florida’s political centers. Throughout the journey, you’ll learn how Monticello’s early settlers, nicknamed “Palmetto Pioneers“ for their South Carolina origins, transformed a Florida frontier outpost into a thriving cotton-shipping town. The tour ends at William Budd’s general store on the courthouse square, now a popular local coffee shop where visitors can relax.