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Record Group Number: 001000
Series/Collection Number: .S 1317
Creator: Florida. Constitutional Convention (1838)
Title, Dates: Constitution, 1838.
Amount: 7.00 item 54 x 45 cm.
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Biographical/Historical:     With the possibility of admission to statehood, Florida's Territorial Council passed an Act, approved by Governor Richard Keith Call, calling for the election of delegates in October of 1838 to a convention to be held at St. Joseph, West Florida. The delegates were to draft a constitution and bill of rights for the Territory of Florida.

    The Constitutional Convention convened on December 3, 1838, with Robert Raymond Reid presiding as president and Joshua Knowles as secretary. Eighteen committees, whose members were familiar with each area of government, carried out the work of the Convention. The process was a relatively simple one because they used the constitutions of several other southern states as models. Only about banking did much debate take place. The Convention adjourned sine die on January 9, 1839.
Summary:     The series consists of a handwritten copy of the 1838 Constitution or "Form of Government for the People of Florida," signed by Convention President, Robert Raymond Reid, and Convention Secretary, Joshua Knowles. The original Constitution, signed by all the delegates, has never been found.  Considered "a secretary's copy," this document is the only known copy of the 1838 Constitution.
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Additional Physical Form: This series has been digitized and is available on the Florida Memory web site: https://www.floridamemory.com/items/show/189087
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Ownership/Custodial History: Donor is a descendant of a participant in the Florida Constitutional Convention at St. Joseph.  The Constitution was found in her home.
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Electronic Records Access: https://www.floridamemory.com/items/show/189087
Subject Access Fields: Constitutional conventions Florida
Statehood.
Constitutions. aat
Florida Constitution
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