Northeast Gainesville Residential District
Roughly bounded by 1st, and 9th Sts., 10th and E. University Aves., Gainesville, FLThe Northeast Gainesville Residential District is significant for the concentration and evolution of an early residential neighborhood in a sixty-three-block area. The buildings, which reflect architectural styles prevalent in Florida during the 1880s through 1920s, and the public green spaces depict the development of Gainesville between these years. The northeast quadrant of the city incorporates nine former subdivisions: Original Gainesville, Home Investment Company Addition, Robertson's Addition, Sun-Kist Addition, Doig and Robertson's Subdivision, Highland Terrace, and Highland Heights. The development of these subdivisions and the incorporation of these areas into Gainesville's city limits reflects typical residential growth patterns of Florida cities in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The District has also been an area where several persons important in the community's development established their residences.
Gainesville was chosen as the county seat for Alachua County in 1853 and platted in 1854.1 The City was laid out in a grid pattern (except the eastern boundary which followed the Sweet Water Branch). The original 103 1/4 acre plat, bought from Major James B. Bailey and from the estate of Nehemiah Brush, was designed with four intersecting ninety-foot thoroughfares, which form the courthouse square in the center of the city. Thirty-foot streets formed the boundaries and forty-five-foot streets were used elsewhere in the grid.2 These paired, ninety-foot thoroughfares divided the city into four quadrants with the original northeast quadrant comprising a portion of the Northeast Gainesville Residential District (that eighteen-block section marked by Northeast 5th Avenue, Sweet Water Branch, East University Avenue, and Northeast 1st Street). Of the 24 extant structures built before 1900, 19 are located within this portion of the district. Construction of these buildings occurred primarily during the 1880s. Reflecting the popular style of the period, a large number of these homes were built in the Queen Anne style. Some of these are located on Northeast 3rd Street 216, and 306. Another example is 420 Northeast 5th Street.
The early growth of Gainesville was limited until the completion of the Florida Railroad in 1859.3 Prosperity, however, was curtailed throughout the 1860s and 1870s by the Civil War and Reconstruction. The establishment of several industries (citrus, fertilizer, phosphate, and an iron foundry), in the 1880s, brought Gainesville out of this economic slump.
Local significance of the district:
Gainesville was chosen as the county seat for Alachua County in 1853 and platted in 1854.1 The City was laid out in a grid pattern (except the eastern boundary which followed the Sweet Water Branch). The original 103 1/4 acre plat, bought from Major James B. Bailey and from the estate of Nehemiah Brush, was designed with four intersecting ninety-foot thoroughfares, which form the courthouse square in the center of the city. Thirty-foot streets formed the boundaries and forty-five-foot streets were used elsewhere in the grid.2 These paired, ninety-foot thoroughfares divided the city into four quadrants with the original northeast quadrant comprising a portion of the Northeast Gainesville Residential District (that eighteen-block section marked by Northeast 5th Avenue, Sweet Water Branch, East University Avenue, and Northeast 1st Street). Of the 24 extant structures built before 1900, 19 are located within this portion of the district. Construction of these buildings occurred primarily during the 1880s. Reflecting the popular style of the period, a large number of these homes were built in the Queen Anne style. Some of these are located on Northeast 3rd Street 216, and 306. Another example is 420 Northeast 5th Street.
The early growth of Gainesville was limited until the completion of the Florida Railroad in 1859.3 Prosperity, however, was curtailed throughout the 1860s and 1870s by the Civil War and Reconstruction. The establishment of several industries (citrus, fertilizer, phosphate, and an iron foundry), in the 1880s, brought Gainesville out of this economic slump.
Community Planning And Development; Landscape Architecture; Exploration/settlement; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
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.
The Spanish established the first mission in Florida, Mission San Luis de Apalachee, in 1633. The mission was located near present-day Tallahassee and was home to a large Native American population.
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.