Matheson House
a.k.a. See Also:Southeast Gainesville Residential District
528 S.E. 1st Ave., Gainesville, FLJames Douglas Matheson, a prominent Gainesville merchant, built this house in 1867. It was inherited by his son, the Rev. Chris Matheson, who was mayor of Gainesville for eight terms in the early 1900s and a member of the Florida legislature in 1917 The house is today occupied by Mrs. Chris Matheson, his widow.
Architecturally, the Matheson house is significant in that the gambrel roof occurs relatively infrequently in Florida. The house reflects characteristics of a transitional style between late Colonial and early Georgian. The gambrel over a single file of rooms (as the Matheson house was prior to additions) can be seen in many North Carolina and Virginia houses after 1725. The similarities, for example, between the Matheson house and the well-known Booth House in Edenton, N.C. are striking. Both have a lean-to addition at the rear and a shed-type porch at the front. Both have a chimney outside and are spaced away from the gable. The main variation is in the type of dormer used, with Matheson having the pedimented type.
It is possible in the case of the Matheson house that the choice of a gambrel was an economic consideration, in that less material is required and shorter rafter lengths can be used. The cutting of the cypress shingles into ornate patterns would probably not have necessitated great expense due to the fact that Gainesville was, at that time, a milling center. Existing data indicates that the Matheson house, which served as a social center in postbellum Gainesville, is the second oldest house in the city.
Local significance of the building:
Architecturally, the Matheson house is significant in that the gambrel roof occurs relatively infrequently in Florida. The house reflects characteristics of a transitional style between late Colonial and early Georgian. The gambrel over a single file of rooms (as the Matheson house was prior to additions) can be seen in many North Carolina and Virginia houses after 1725. The similarities, for example, between the Matheson house and the well-known Booth House in Edenton, N.C. are striking. Both have a lean-to addition at the rear and a shed-type porch at the front. Both have a chimney outside and are spaced away from the gable. The main variation is in the type of dormer used, with Matheson having the pedimented type.
It is possible in the case of the Matheson house that the choice of a gambrel was an economic consideration, in that less material is required and shorter rafter lengths can be used. The cutting of the cypress shingles into ornate patterns would probably not have necessitated great expense due to the fact that Gainesville was, at that time, a milling center. Existing data indicates that the Matheson house, which served as a social center in postbellum Gainesville, is the second oldest house in the city.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
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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The Seminole Wars, a series of conflicts between the United States government and the Seminole Tribe of Florida, lasted for over 40 years from 1817 to 1858. The wars were some of the longest and most expensive conflicts in American history.
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.