Flint Hall
W. University Ave., Gainesville, FLFlint Hall is historically significant in the development of the University of Florida as its first structure was designed... for use by the scientific community and as a long-time home of the Florida State Museum.
Construction of what was then called Science Hall began in September 1909 and was completed the following spring. The departments of botany, chemistry, horticulture, physics, zoology, and bacteriology occupied the first floor; the University Museum moved from temporary quarters in Thomas Hall to the second floor. The physical propinquity thus established Symbolized the relationship between academic science and the object-oriented learning provided by the museum facility, renamed the Florida State Museum in 1914.
Many distinguished scientists taught in Science Hall, among them Dr. Edward R. Flint, for whom Science Hall was renamed.
The University of Florida traces its roots to 1853; however, that early date is significant for the foundation of the East Florida Seminary, only one of several components consolidated in the Buckman Act of 1905. That Act identified and addressed the need for a comprehensive system of higher education in Florida by creating three new institutions from the colleges, seminaries, and institutes which had hitherto received state monies. The new institutions included schools designated for women, blacks, and men. The last became the University of Florida.
After a lengthy discussion, the Board of Control, set up under the Buckman Act to superintend higher education, decided to locate the men's institution at Gainesville, home of the East Florida Seminary. Since the Seminary buildings were in a rather poor condition, the Board decided to establish a new campus for the University rather than renovate the older Seminary structures. A comprehensive plan for the new campus was designed by William A. Edwards of the South Carolina architectural firm of Edwards and Walter Edwards later designed most of the campus buildings erected before the Second World War.
Edwards' campus gradually grew to include specialized and multiple-purpose structures devoted to both academic and vocational courses of instruction in the liberal arts, education, agriculture, the sciences, law, and other fields. The University of Florida was the state's earliest concrete symbol of a commitment to a comprehensive education for men, and the institution retained that position until 1947, when Florida State College for Women, successor to the Buckman Act's Florida Female College, was designated a coeducational institution, Florida State University.
Local significance of the building:
Construction of what was then called Science Hall began in September 1909 and was completed the following spring. The departments of botany, chemistry, horticulture, physics, zoology, and bacteriology occupied the first floor; the University Museum moved from temporary quarters in Thomas Hall to the second floor. The physical propinquity thus established Symbolized the relationship between academic science and the object-oriented learning provided by the museum facility, renamed the Florida State Museum in 1914.
Many distinguished scientists taught in Science Hall, among them Dr. Edward R. Flint, for whom Science Hall was renamed.
The University of Florida traces its roots to 1853; however, that early date is significant for the foundation of the East Florida Seminary, only one of several components consolidated in the Buckman Act of 1905. That Act identified and addressed the need for a comprehensive system of higher education in Florida by creating three new institutions from the colleges, seminaries, and institutes which had hitherto received state monies. The new institutions included schools designated for women, blacks, and men. The last became the University of Florida.
After a lengthy discussion, the Board of Control, set up under the Buckman Act to superintend higher education, decided to locate the men's institution at Gainesville, home of the East Florida Seminary. Since the Seminary buildings were in a rather poor condition, the Board decided to establish a new campus for the University rather than renovate the older Seminary structures. A comprehensive plan for the new campus was designed by William A. Edwards of the South Carolina architectural firm of Edwards and Walter Edwards later designed most of the campus buildings erected before the Second World War.
Edwards' campus gradually grew to include specialized and multiple-purpose structures devoted to both academic and vocational courses of instruction in the liberal arts, education, agriculture, the sciences, law, and other fields. The University of Florida was the state's earliest concrete symbol of a commitment to a comprehensive education for men, and the institution retained that position until 1947, when Florida State College for Women, successor to the Buckman Act's Florida Female College, was designated a coeducational institution, Florida State University.
Education; Science; Architecture
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.
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 condensed summary of the historical journey 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.