Floyd Hall
University of Florida campus, Gainesville, FLFloyd Hall is historically significant in the development of the University of Florida as a center for agriculture studies, indicating the continued commitment of the state government to expanded agriculture education.
While the University had maintained an agriculture experimental station since 1906 and had constructed a building (Newell Hall) to house the station in 1910, demand for agriculture education soon threatened to expand beyond the capacity of existing facilities. The Board of Control, therefore, made plans to construct another agriculture building and awarded the construction contract in January 1912. The new facility called the Agriculture College Building was opened in September of the same year.
The structure's first story was finished as classroom and office space for the departments of agronomy and animal husbandry. The second story was used as an assembly room and chapel, functions which it served until 1918 when the Student's Army Training Corps (S.A.T.C.) had the floor space partitioned into classrooms.
Floyd Hall served as the College of Agriculture for many years. It has come to house the classrooms, offices, and laboratories of the Department of Geology in recent years.
Local significance of the building:
While the University had maintained an agriculture experimental station since 1906 and had constructed a building (Newell Hall) to house the station in 1910, demand for agriculture education soon threatened to expand beyond the capacity of existing facilities. The Board of Control, therefore, made plans to construct another agriculture building and awarded the construction contract in January 1912. The new facility called the Agriculture College Building was opened in September of the same year.
The structure's first story was finished as classroom and office space for the departments of agronomy and animal husbandry. The second story was used as an assembly room and chapel, functions which it served until 1918 when the Student's Army Training Corps (S.A.T.C.) had the floor space partitioned into classrooms.
Floyd Hall served as the College of Agriculture for many years. It has come to house the classrooms, offices, and laboratories of the Department of Geology in recent years.
Education; Architecture; Agriculture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
Florida played a major role in the Civil Rights Movement, with many important events taking place in the state, including the Tallahassee Bus Boycott in 1956 and the St. Augustine Movement in 1963.
About Alachua County
Alachua County Timeline
Alachua County, located in northern Florida, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Timucua and Seminole people. They relied on the fertile soil and abundant water sources for their sustenance and developed intricate cultural practices.
In the 16th century, Spanish explorers ventured into the region, establishing missions and attempting to colonize the area. However, conflicts with the Native Americans and the lack of resources hindered their efforts. The territory eventually came under British control in the late 18th century, followed by transfer to the United States after the Revolutionary War.
During the mid-19th century, Alachua County experienced a boom as many settlers arrived, drawn by the promise of fertile lands for farming and the expanding railroad system. The city of Gainesville, Alachua County's seat, was established in 1854 and became an economic and cultural hub in the region.
However, the county also faced turbulent times during the Civil War, with significant impact and casualties endured. The University of Florida was founded in Gainesville in 1905, marking a turning point for education and intellectual growth in the region. Today, Alachua County continues to thrive as a diverse and dynamic community, preserving its history while embracing progress and growth.
In the 16th century, Spanish explorers ventured into the region, establishing missions and attempting to colonize the area. However, conflicts with the Native Americans and the lack of resources hindered their efforts. The territory eventually came under British control in the late 18th century, followed by transfer to the United States after the Revolutionary War.
During the mid-19th century, Alachua County experienced a boom as many settlers arrived, drawn by the promise of fertile lands for farming and the expanding railroad system. The city of Gainesville, Alachua County's seat, was established in 1854 and became an economic and cultural hub in the region.
However, the county also faced turbulent times during the Civil War, with significant impact and casualties endured. The University of Florida was founded in Gainesville in 1905, marking a turning point for education and intellectual growth in the region. Today, Alachua County continues to thrive as a diverse and dynamic community, preserving its history while embracing progress and growth.
Alachua County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Alachua County, Florida.
- 1824 - Alachua County is established on December 29, 1824, as Florida's first inland county.
- 1832 - The first courthouse in the county is constructed in Newnansville.
- 1837 - Newnansville becomes the county seat.
- 1853 - Gainesville is established as a railroad depot, leading to the decline of Newnansville.
- 1868 - Gainesville becomes the county seat.
- 1905 - The University of Florida is established in Gainesville.
- 1915 - The Seagle Building, the first skyscraper in Gainesville, is completed.
- 1930s - The Great Depression impacts the county, leading to economic struggles.
- 1950s - Growth of the University of Florida and postwar development fuel population growth.
- 1969 - Santa Fe Community College is established.
- 1990s - A period of rapid growth and urbanization begins.
- 2001 - Celebration Pointe, a major mixed-use development, breaks ground.