Liberty Hill Schoolhouse
a.k.a. AL04863
7600 NW 23rd Ave., Gainesville, FLThe Liberty Hill Schoolhouse is historically significant at the local level in the areas of Education and Ethnic Heritage: Black for its 110-year association with education and for its importance to the cultural heritage of the African American community in Gainesville. The present building, constructed by the Alachua County School Board in 1892, replaced an earlier Liberty Hill School, first mentioned as a school for black children in the county school records in 1869. The building is also significant at the local level as an excellent example of a one-room schoolhouse. The only one-room schoolhouse in the county still on its original site, served generations of African American pupils from primary to sixth or seventh grade until it was closed by the school board in the early 1950s. The simple, vernacular wood frame structure, which has been used for storage since then, is fairly well preserved.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Education; Black
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2003.
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.
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Florida was once a Spanish colony for over 250 years, from 1565 to 1821, before being ceded to the United States as part of the Adams-Onís Treaty.
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 glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped 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.