Leigh Read County, Florida facts for kids
Leigh Read County was a name proposed for a new county in Florida. It was meant to honor Leigh Read, a respected general and lawmaker. This idea came about after Read's tragic death.
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What Was Leigh Read County?
In 1842, a group of lawmakers in Florida wanted to create a new county. They planned to rename an existing area called Mosquito County. This large area covered much of what is now Orange, Seminole, and Volusia counties. It also included parts of Lake, Osceola, Polk, and Brevard counties. The new name would have been Leigh Read County.
Who Was Leigh Read?
Leigh Read was an important person in Florida's early history. He was a general, meaning he was a high-ranking military leader. He was also a legislator, which means he helped make laws. People wanted to name a county after him to remember his service.
The Florida Territorial Council
Back in 1842, Florida was not yet a state. It was a "territory," which meant it was governed by the United States but didn't have full state rights. The laws for the territory were made by a group called the Florida Territorial Council. This council was like a mini-government for Florida at the time.
Why the County Was Never Formed
The idea to create Leigh Read County faced some problems. The Democrats in the Territorial Council supported the bill. A "bill" is a proposed law. They believed it passed the council.
The Missing Law
However, there are no official records of this bill becoming a law. It's a bit of a mystery why it never happened. Some people think a clerk, who handles official papers, might have held back the bill.
A Governor's Disagreement
Others believe the governor at the time, Richard K. Call, refused to sign it. Governor Call was a member of the Whig Party. He and Leigh Read often disagreed on political matters. One historian said Governor Call claimed he did sign the bill. But, for some reason, the law never officially appeared in the books. So, Leigh Read County was proposed but never actually created.
