National Register Listing

Rochelle School

a.k.a. Martha Perry Institute

Off FL 234, Rochelle, FL
Local significance of the building:
Education; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

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.

education architecture
The Florida State Capitol building in Tallahassee is the only state capitol in the United States that is taller than the United States Capitol in Washington D.C.
Florida random facts
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.

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.