Historic Events
St. Luke Baptist Church, Marianna This African-American church, founded along the Chipola River in August 1867, is now a main focal point in Marianna. The building is Gothic Revival Style with pointed, arch leaded stained glass windows and towers on either side of the central nave.
Gilmore Academy In 1922, Robert T. Gilmore (1879-1948), born in Monticello, founded Gilmore Academy, one of Jackson County's first African-American high schools. After graduating its first class in 1931, it was renamed Jackson County Training School, then later Marianna Middle School.
Contact The Chamber
|
|
Russ House
The house was built in 1895 by Joseph W. Russ, Jr., a prominent landowner and merchant, for him and his mother, who lived there with him only two years before her untimely death. However, the home was occupied by members of his family until 1995, and owned by the family for exactly 100 years.
It is noteworthy that on the east side of the house there was at one time a one-story porte-cochere with Corinthian columns which allowed vehicles to approach in a manner similiar to that of the park carriage trail. The roof of the porte-cochere was surrounded by balustrades which tied into the upper porch to form a deck. The reconstruction of the porte-cochere was not included in the restoration due to a shortage of funds.
The Russ House is noted as one of the finest examples of Colonial Revival architecture in Florida and is on the National Historic Register. The home is one of the last reminders of days past when Lafayette Street was lined with vast oaks, azaleas, and stately, charactered family homes.
It stands at the site of a portion of the Battle of Marianna, fought in 1864.
It has been a focal point of interest for people traveling through Marianna for years and local residents have held the house in high regard.
The Chamber bought the house and with grant money, donations, and in-kind services has accomplished significant renovations, saving the house from loss. It will continue to serve as a historic landmark and a reminder of what can be accomplished in a community that values tradition and teamwork.
The Russ House is also home to the Jackson County Tourist Development Council and serves as the Jackson County Visitors Center. Visitors can find tourist & event guides, hotel & restaurant guides, local apartment rental lists, local phone books, and many other brochures on the area and businesses. Part of the house is available for community use/rental and to to draw attention to Jackson County's historical assets. Call the Chamber at 850-482-8060 for information on reserving the Russ House for your next special event or meeting.
