Charles Sumner was a United States Senator from Massachusetts in the years before the American Civil War. He was an outspoken opponent of slavery, and known for his fiery speeches on the subject. Preston Brooks was a congressman from South Carolina, and outspoken advocate of slavery. One day in 1856, Sumner gave a speech in the Senate that was especially insulting to the South. Brooks savagely attacked Sumner on the Senate floor and nearly beat him to death with a cane. Sumner missed the next 3 years of service in the Senate, and needed extensive therapy to survive his injuries.
Brooksville is named for Preston Brooks. His attack on the hated Yankee senator made him a hero in the South, and Brooksville was very much a southern city in the years during and after the civil war. The weather worn statue of a confederate soldier still stands guard in front of the Hernando County courthouse in downtown Brooksville.
The violent act that inspired the town's name does not fit with its peaceful demeanor of today. Lovely ancient oaks line the brick streets. Grand old well maintained southern mansions stand proudly in quiet neighborhoods. Unlike most of table-flat Florida, Brooksville and Hernando County have many rolling hills. Some of them are among the highest elevations in Florida.
Right downtown, across from the County Courthouse, is the Main Street Eatery. This homey little restaurant seats only a few people, and serves wonderful lunches. One of their specialties is a multi-bean Cajun soup that is one of the best dishes in the State of Florida. The soup alone is worth a trip to Brooksville. The friendly, laid back residents of Brooksville are another good reason to visit.
The picture above is of the Confederate Soldier in front of the Hernando County Courthouse. More Florida history at http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/florida-history.html
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