Did you know the City of Brooksville was named for a U.S. House representative from South Carolina?

U.S. Rep. Preston Brooks was an ardent believer in states' rights and possessed a strong sense of "fair play." During an 1856 debate of the Kansas-Nebraska bill, Brooks' uncle, South Carolina Sen. A.P. Butler, was absent from the U.S. Senate Chamber. Massachusetts Sen. Charles Sumner took the opportunity to vehemently denounce Sen. Butler. Brooks approached Sumner on the Sentate floor upon adjournment and delivered a swift blow with his cane that knocked Sumner senseless. This act earned Rep. Brooks admiration throughout the South, and motivated the citizens of Hernando County to change the name of the city in his honor. Originally known as Melendez, the city's name was officially changed to Brooksville in 1871.

Reprinted from Quality Cities November/December 2005

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