Goodwood is a special place in Leon County. Once a major antebellum cotton plantation, throughout much of its history, it has served as a major social and political center for Florida. It was built as the home of one of Florida's wealthiest citizens, Bryan Croom. After a succession of owners it became the Florida residence of wealthy socialite Fanny Tiers early this century. A foundation established in memory of his wife, Margaret E. Wilson, is overseeing the restoration of the house and gardens.
Visitors can tour the gardens which contain many vintage and rare plants.
Now undergoing restoration, the house will open for tours in a few years. In gratitude for his service during the Revolutionary War, General Lafayette was presented with a 36 square mile grant of land in Leon County in 1825. As he never visited Tallahassee, he soon started selling off this land. The Croom family of North Carolina began purchasing land in North Florida in the 1820s, including plantations in Marianna, Quincy and Tallahassee. Hardy Croom, a planter and recognized naturalist, discovered the rare Torreya tree.