National Register Listing

Micanopy Historic District

a.k.a. 8-A358;8-360

Roughly Cholokka Blvd. from US 441 to Ocala St. then Smith St. W to Okehumkee St., Micanopy, FL
The history of Micanopy reflects the history of Florida from the mid-eighteenth century to the present. Creek Indians from Georgia, later called the Seminoles, first founded a town on the location, probably in the 1740s. In the early nineteenth century, a trading post was established by Americans and settlers moved into the area. The town became known as Micanopy, named for a major Seminole chief. It was the first seat of government for Alachua County and the site of Fort Micanopy during the Second Seminole War. It grew through the second half of the nineteenth century to a prosperous market town, the center of the orange-growing industry. Following the freeze of 1894-5, it continued to thrive as a commercial center but retained its small population and small-town atmosphere. It is one of the oldest American towns in Florida and embodies an important period in the history of the state.

Archaeological sites within the boundaries of the proposed Micanopy Historic District including the probable location of the Seminole Indian village of Cuscowilla are documented in the Florida Master Site File Inventory. The sites and the tentative site of Wanton's Trading Post and Fort Micanopy have yet to be excavated by professional archaeologists. However, they are protected by state, county, and local legislation as well as by the owners of the properties on which they are located.
Local significance of the district:
Historic - Aboriginal; Commerce; Military; Exploration/settlement; Politics/government; Architecture; Agriculture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1983.

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.

aboriginal commerce military exploration settlementT politics government architecture agriculture
Audiobooks about the history of Florida.
The first commercial airline flight in the United States took off from St. Petersburg, Florida, in 1914.
Florida random facts
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.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in 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.