Boulware Spring Waterworks
3400 SE 15th St., Gainesville, FLThe Boulware Springs Waterworks is significant architecturally as an example of early 20th century industrial architecture. Constructed between 1891 and 1908, it served as Gainesville's first water utility until 1913 and as an auxiliary source until 1977. The building's form and setting provide a unique and aesthetically pleasing combination of technology and ecology. The Boulware Springs site has been significant in the prehistoric occupation of the area as well as in its local history, as indicated in reports of various archaeological investigations. In 1853, Boulware Springs was the location of as assembly which chose Gainesville as the county seat. In 1905, the promise of free water from the springs was a critical factor in the decision to move the University of Florida from Lake City to Gainesville.
The Boulware Springs Waterworks is located on a thirty-acre site owned by the Gainesville Regional Utilities. The site is part of a mixed hardwood hammock located on the north rim of Paynes Prairie, a large conservation and recreation park managed by the Florida Department of Natural Resources. Paynes Prairie is at the present time a Florida savannah, however, between 1871 and 1892, it was a broad body of water known as Alachua Lake which was deep enough to allow a steamboat, the Cicola, to ply its waters."
Boulware Springs' location near Paynes Prairie and its plentiful supply of water made it the site of occupation by the indigenous prehistoric population. Several archaeological sites are known to exist on the thirty acres which the modern site includes although no thorough archaeological survey of the area has been completed as yet. In addition, Boulware Springs has been the site of several pivotal events in Alachua County's history. In 1853, citizens attended a public meeting there at which Gainesville was chosen to be the county seat. By 1892, the City of Gainesville had purchased. Boulware Springs and constructed its first central waterworks adjacent to the spring.
Located adjacent to the rich hunting grounds of Paynes Prairie and providing an abundant supply of constantly flowing fresh water, Boulware Springs attracted human activity and settlement early in Florida's prehistory.
Archaeological investigations conducted by Dr. John Mann Goggin, a noted archaeologist specializing in prehistoric cultures of the southeastern United States, identified two major sites in the Boulware Springs vicinity. One site, which may be the location of a lithic workshop area where flint tools were manufactured, dates to the Archaic period, a stage that lasted from 6500 B.C. to about 500 B.C. The other site was identified as a burial mound of the Cades Pond culture, dated at 200 A.D. to 800 A.D. Due to the close proximity of these two sites, there is a high likelihood that villages were also located close to the springs.
Local significance of the building:
The Boulware Springs Waterworks is located on a thirty-acre site owned by the Gainesville Regional Utilities. The site is part of a mixed hardwood hammock located on the north rim of Paynes Prairie, a large conservation and recreation park managed by the Florida Department of Natural Resources. Paynes Prairie is at the present time a Florida savannah, however, between 1871 and 1892, it was a broad body of water known as Alachua Lake which was deep enough to allow a steamboat, the Cicola, to ply its waters."
Boulware Springs' location near Paynes Prairie and its plentiful supply of water made it the site of occupation by the indigenous prehistoric population. Several archaeological sites are known to exist on the thirty acres which the modern site includes although no thorough archaeological survey of the area has been completed as yet. In addition, Boulware Springs has been the site of several pivotal events in Alachua County's history. In 1853, citizens attended a public meeting there at which Gainesville was chosen to be the county seat. By 1892, the City of Gainesville had purchased. Boulware Springs and constructed its first central waterworks adjacent to the spring.
Located adjacent to the rich hunting grounds of Paynes Prairie and providing an abundant supply of constantly flowing fresh water, Boulware Springs attracted human activity and settlement early in Florida's prehistory.
Archaeological investigations conducted by Dr. John Mann Goggin, a noted archaeologist specializing in prehistoric cultures of the southeastern United States, identified two major sites in the Boulware Springs vicinity. One site, which may be the location of a lithic workshop area where flint tools were manufactured, dates to the Archaic period, a stage that lasted from 6500 B.C. to about 500 B.C. The other site was identified as a burial mound of the Cades Pond culture, dated at 200 A.D. to 800 A.D. Due to the close proximity of these two sites, there is a high likelihood that villages were also located close to the springs.
Community Planning And Development; Politics/government; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
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.
Loading...
Florida played a major role in the Civil Rights Movement, with many important events taking place in the state, including the Tallahassee Bus Boycott in 1956 and the St. Augustine Movement in 1963.
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.