Historic Fort Coombs Armory Celebrates Grand Re-Opening in Apalachicola

One of Apalachicola’s most distinctive historic landmarks is ready to welcome the community once again.

Franklin County Commissioners celebrated the grand re-opening of the Fort Coombs Armory on Wednesday, August 5, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the completion of a multi-year renovation project.

Located on 4th Street in downtown Apalachicola, the Fort Coombs Armory has stood as part of the community’s story for more than a century. Its history dates to 1898, when the original armory was constructed at the urging of the local militia company, the Franklin Guards. The two-story building featured a four-story clock tower and was named for James Percy Coombs, commander of the local National Guard unit in the early 1900s.

A Landmark Rebuilt After the Great Fire

On May 25, 1900, a devastating fire swept through Apalachicola, destroying the armory along with much of downtown. The building was reconstructed in 1901, this time with brick walls, a gable roof and gable parapet.

Its solid brick walls, narrow slit windows and four-story corner tower give the building the appearance of a medieval watchtower. The imposing military structure remains one of Florida’s most unique examples of “fortress architecture” and an unmistakable landmark in downtown Apalachicola.

More Than a Century of Military History

For more than 100 years, the Fort Coombs Armory served the military community of Apalachicola and Franklin County. Military units were stationed at the armory during World Wars I and II, the Gulf War and the War with Iraq.

Today, bronze plaques on the building’s exterior front wall memorialize generations of Apalachicola and Franklin County citizens who served their state and nation, preserving an important connection between the landmark and the people whose service shaped its history.

A Historic Gathering Place for a New Generation

Today, the Fort Coombs Armory is a contributing building on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Apalachicola Historic District. With its renovation complete, the historic landmark continues its next chapter as a community gathering place and special event venue.

From its striking architecture to more than a century of stories contained within its walls, the Fort Coombs Armory offers another opportunity to experience the history and character that make Apalachicola and Florida’s Forgotten Coast unlike anywhere else.

The Fort Coombs Armory is available to reserve for weddings, celebrations, meetings, and other special events.

Planning an event at the Armory? Reservations can be made online through the Franklin County Fort Coombs Armory reservation website.