WHITE SPRINGS, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis unveiled a statue of Alexander Hamilton in White Springs on Wednesday, marking Hamilton County’s addition to a statewide program that places likenesses of founding figures in counties named for them.
The statue, set on the banks of the Suwannee River, was presented as part of the governor’s effort to honor historical figures tied to Florida’s past.
DeSantis said the installations are intended to help students and residents learn about the ideas that shaped the nation.
“So that most Americans may recognize it from the $10 bill. That’s Alexander Hamilton, who’s the namesake of the county here in the state of Florida,” said DeSantis.
DeSantis outlined education initiatives tied to the effort, including a civic literacy assessment for high school students, a Civic Seal of Excellence for teachers and a speech and debate expansion that he said has grown to more than 330 teams statewide. He also announced scholarships associated with essay and debate contests.
The governor was joined by Secretary of State Cord Byrd and President & CEO of Visit Florida Bryan Griffin for the statue unveiling.