Florida Celebrates 250 Years with Founding Fathers' Statues Unveiling!

Monticello, Jefferson County, Florida, USA - The celebration of the 250th birthday of the United States is heating up in Florida, as Governor Ron DeSantis gears up for a series of events designed to honor the nation’s Founding Fathers. As part of this initiative, statues of American founders will be placed throughout counties in Florida named after these historical figures. This plan emphasizes not only a connection to history but also the importance of understanding the principles upon which the nation was built. WUSF reports that DeSantis has already unveiled a bronze statue of President Thomas Jefferson in front of the courthouse in Monticello, Jefferson County, on July 2, 2025, making waves across the state and beyond.

At the unveiling, DeSantis focused on Jefferson’s significant contributions to American liberty and education. He referred to Jefferson as the „father of the Declaration of Independence.“ This event marks the second unveiling in a series aimed at celebrating America’s founders. As the governor pointed out, this is a contrast to actions taken in other parts of the country, where monuments have been removed rather than celebrated. Statues of notable figures, including George Washington, will also be prominently displayed, further highlighting Florida’s commitment to historical acknowledgment.

Planned Installations and Events

To enhance this commemoration, statues of four more founders — George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and James Monroe — will also be installed in their respective counties over the next year. In addition, the Florida Secretary of State Cory Byrd revealed a special logo for the 250th birthday celebrations during the Jefferson statue unveiling. This initiative is bolstered by a slew of upcoming events and celebrations planned across Florida in anticipation of the statewide semiquincentennial.

DeSantis believes strongly in the value of civic education to bring this historic moment to life for students and teachers alike. Florida has made significant strides in civic education under his leadership, launching the Civics Literacy Excellence Initiative. According to the governor, over 21,000 teachers have participated in this program since it was established in 2021, and funding has reached over $59 million in stipends to promote civic literacy, with further investments planned for Fiscal Year 2025-26.

A National Context

The U.S. Department of Education is also joining in this national celebration. A recent announcement included a new grant program aimed at enhancing American History and Civic education in honor of the upcoming 250th celebration. The program aims to offer educators and students seminars designed to delve into America’s founding principles and civic responsibilities. Participants will focus on important documents like the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, which fortify the very fabric of the nation.

As preparations roll out, Florida’s America250FL campaign, featuring a newly launched website, America250FL.com, serves as the official hub for information and resources related to the semiquincentennial. This site aims to encourage residents and tourists alike to explore historic sites throughout the state.

With these dedicated efforts to honor the past and encourage a deeper understanding of American democracy, Florida stands poised to celebrate a milestone that resonates with every citizen. There’s much to reflect upon as communities come together to recognize the strength and challenges of American history.

For more details, visit the links: WUSF, Florida Governor, U.S. Department of Education.