Bailey, Maj. James B., House
a.k.a. Rest Haven
1121 N.W. 6th St., Gainesville, FLMajor James B. Bailey was one of the pioneer settlers of Gainesville. Having acquired extensive acreage within the original boundaries of northwest Gainesville, Major Bailey began construction of his home about 1848, thereby making the house one of the oldest in Gainesville.
Public records indicate that Major Bailey was a very prominent citizen of early Gainesville. He was County Treasurer of Alachua County for six years, was a member of the Patrol Committee and was the man appointed by the County Commissioners to decide on a site for the new jail and then to design the building. It also seems likely that Major Bailey was instrumental in having the county seat moved from Newnansville to Gainesville. In 1852, the legislature passed an act calling for a county-wide vote for the selection of a new seat of government. One source states that "Major Bailey desired the removal of the county seat from Newnansville for he owned a large part of the land on which the new town and the courthouse would be built". In 1854 Major Bailey did sell 63% acres of land to the Alachua County Commissioners to be used in part for a public square and for the erection of a courthouse. The present courthouse still stands on that site.
In March of 1862, at a special meeting of the citizens of Alachua County, a motion by the Honorable David L. Yulee was adopted which sent Major J.B. Bailey as a special messenger to Richmond, Virginia to impress upon the Government of the Confederate States the importance of keeping an army in East Florida. At the same time, Bailey was to confer with General Lee and urge him to leave the troops already in East Florida there. Major Bailey died in 1864 while working on fortifications at Baldwin, Florida. In a letter dated March 22, 1864, a friend of Bailey's wrote to General Jernigan that "our worthy townsman Major James B. Bailey is dead".
The Bailey homestead remains today as an excellent example of early plantation architecture and the home of one of Gainesville's most important pioneers.
Local significance of the building:
Public records indicate that Major Bailey was a very prominent citizen of early Gainesville. He was County Treasurer of Alachua County for six years, was a member of the Patrol Committee and was the man appointed by the County Commissioners to decide on a site for the new jail and then to design the building. It also seems likely that Major Bailey was instrumental in having the county seat moved from Newnansville to Gainesville. In 1852, the legislature passed an act calling for a county-wide vote for the selection of a new seat of government. One source states that "Major Bailey desired the removal of the county seat from Newnansville for he owned a large part of the land on which the new town and the courthouse would be built". In 1854 Major Bailey did sell 63% acres of land to the Alachua County Commissioners to be used in part for a public square and for the erection of a courthouse. The present courthouse still stands on that site.
In March of 1862, at a special meeting of the citizens of Alachua County, a motion by the Honorable David L. Yulee was adopted which sent Major J.B. Bailey as a special messenger to Richmond, Virginia to impress upon the Government of the Confederate States the importance of keeping an army in East Florida. At the same time, Bailey was to confer with General Lee and urge him to leave the troops already in East Florida there. Major Bailey died in 1864 while working on fortifications at Baldwin, Florida. In a letter dated March 22, 1864, a friend of Bailey's wrote to General Jernigan that "our worthy townsman Major James B. Bailey is dead".
The Bailey homestead remains today as an excellent example of early plantation architecture and the home of one of Gainesville's most important pioneers.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
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 is home to the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the United States, St. Augustine, which was founded by the Spanish in 1565.
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.