Abstract
The construction projects announced in 1965 reflected Florida's ascendance as one of the country's largest and most influential states. The first enabled a commission to either expand or replace the aging, insufficient capitol in Tallahassee. An Orlando newspaper announced the second, declaring that Walt Disney intended to build an east coast version of Disneyland there. These seemingly disparate endeavors dovetailed in myriad ways for nearly two decades, particularly in their employment of symbolic architecture. Carefully orchestrated visions for the Florida capitol complex and Walt Disney World reflected the Sunshine State's growth and popularity as both a tourist destination and place to live. The projects offered expressions of Florida's-and the country's-past, present, and future, and experienced both successes and failures in achieving their symbolic goals. Ultimately, both Walt Disney Wodd and the new Florida State Capitol represent the modern state, providing distinct but essential visions of the polity in which they stand.
Recommended Citation
Everett, Derek R.
(2017)
"The Mouse and the Statehouse: Intersections of Florida's Capitols and Walt Disney World,"
Florida Historical Quarterly: Vol. 96:
No.
1, Article 4.
Available at:
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/fhq/vol96/iss1/4
