Chattahoochee, Florida
Often described as one of Florida's most charming small cities, Chattahoochee is known today for its nature trails, scenery, and historic sites. Due to its strategic location as a gateway to the Apalachicola River and Lake Seminole, the city is considered a prominent heritage and eco-tourism destination.
Geography Of Chattahoochee
Located in Gadsden County in the US state of Florida, Chattahoochee is a city that is part of the Tallahassee Florida Metropolitan Area. To the west, Chattahoochee is bordered by the Apalachicola River, which forms from the juncture of the Flint and Chattahoochee rivers within Lake Seminole. The Victory and Apalachicola bridges separate Chattahoochee from the neighboring Jackson County town of Sneads, Florida. The city covers a total area of 15.01 sq. km, which can be further split into 14.51 sq. km of land area and 0.50 sq. km of water area. Moreover, the city lies at an elevation of 72m. Chattahoochee's geographic coordinates are 30.7054600°N and 84.84574°W (30.7054600, -84.84574).
Climate Of Chattahoochee
Chattahoochee is wet and partly cloudy all year. Its summers are hot, oppressive, and warm, stretching from May 14th to September 25th. July ranks as the year's hottest month with an annual average high of 92°F and a low of 73°F. On the other hand, winters are cold and short, lasting from December 1st to February 23rd, with temperatures averaging below 68°F. January is considered the coldest month with an average low temperature of 42°F, and its average high is 63°F. Chattahoochee's wetter season, which runs from May 31st to September 8th, presents more than a 39% chance that any day will be a wet day. The city's rainiest month is July, as it records an average annual rainfall of 5.2 inches compared to the city's least rainy month of October, which receives an average of 2.7 inches. According to various tourism scores, the best time to visit the city is from early April to late May and from late September to late October.
Brief History Of Chattahoochee
Since Chattahoochee is situated at the meeting point of the Chattahoochee and Flint rivers, the city's historical significance stretches centuries into the past. Native Americans used these rivers as a trade route for goods and raw materials. The area's commercial and strategic importance soon resulted in the settlement of one of the most important ceremonial Native American mound complexes in Florida approximately 1,000 years ago. The area soon became the site of the second known weather station and observatory in Florida in 1799. Moreover, the British forces also realized the area's significance upon their arrival in 1814, as they established a supply depot and large fort within the area.
In the 1820s, a settlement initially known as "Mount Vernon" was set in present-day Chattahoochee to act as a river port for Gadsden County's planters. Moreover, its strategic location caused it to become the US Army's only arsenal in Florida by 1839. This arsenal was subsequently seized in 1861 by Florida's state militia. Upon falling to the Confederate army, it was used as barracks and an instruction camp throughout the American Civil War. This arsenal was then turned over to the State in 1869 to become the site of Florida's first government. In 1876, the arsenal was transformed into Florida's first psychiatric hospital in 1876. During the steamboat era, the city's status as a river port continued as it was used as a homeport by famous steamboats such as the CSS Chattahoochee and the John W. Callahan.
Population And Economy Of Chattahoochee
In 2020, Chattahoochee had a population of 3,597 individuals, which ranks it as the 248th largest city in Florida. Despite currently witnessing a growth rate of 3.84%, the city has experienced a decrease of -1.51% since the 2010 US Census, which recorded a population of 3,652. The city currently has a population density of 642 individuals per square mile. Regarding ethnic demographics, 57.43% of the people are Black or African American, 41.37% are White, 0.35% are Asian, 0.48% are of two or more races, and 0.45% are of other races. In 2019, Chattahoochee's median age was 41.3 years. Males had a median age of 39.7, whereas females had a noticeably higher median age of 47.6 years.
Chattahoochee's median household income in 2019 was USD 28,478, with a poverty rate of 43.7%. The city's most common industries are health care, social assistance, public administration, and construction. In terms of the most common jobs, 11.1% work in management occupations, 10.5% work as health technologists and technicians, 8.98% work in healthcare support occupations, and 8.38% work in construction and extraction occupations. The city's median monthly rental costs are approximately USD 716, and the median house value comes at USD 67,100.
Tourist Attractions In Chattahoochee
Heritage Park
Situated in the heart of the city's downtown area at 400 West Washington Street, Heritage Park is a small but culturally significant park for the city of Chattahoochee. The park is home to several key features: a Norfolk Southern Railroad caboose, a picturesque fountain, and a mural painted by the prominent late local artist Von Tipton. This mural features the John W. Callahan steamboat and a depiction of the Chattahoochee river's heritage.
Angus Gholson Nature Park
Formerly known as Chattahoochee Nature Park, the Angus Gholson Nature Park is a 125-acre reserve containing floodplain forest, seepage streams, and the Apalachicola River. Upon Angus Gholson’s acquisition of the park, water quality, rare species, and natural resources were all conserved. Among the rare species that occur within this protected land are the endangered Fringed Campion and the Torreya tree. In addition to conservation, the park provides passive recreation for visitors by offering a trail system and fishing opportunities for visitors.
Also known as the “City on a Hill,” Chattahoochee has emerged as a genuinely charming and peaceful community given its key location. Full of history, heritage, and scenic wonder, this small city is definitely worth keeping an eye out for.
