Old Town School
Historical marker location:
761 SE CR 349, Old Town, Florida
( Marker is at the intersection of County Route 55A and County Route 349, on the right when traveling east on County Route 55A.)
Marker installed: 2001
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The name "Florida" actually comes from the Spanish word "florido," which means "full of flowers."
About Dixie County
Dixie County Timeline
Dixie County, located in the state of Florida, has a rich and varied history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Timucua and the Suwannee. The arrival of Europeans in the 16th century brought significant changes to the region.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, Dixie County experienced rapid growth as settlers moved inland from the coastal areas. The establishment of homesteads, plantations, and small farms contributed to the agricultural development of the county. The growth was further boosted by the advent of the railroad in the early 20th century, which connected Dixie County with other parts of Florida and facilitated trade and transportation.
The county was officially created in 1921 and named after the reputed "Southern" region of the United States commonly referred to as "Dixie." The people of Dixie County played an active role in events such as World War II, with many residents enlisting in the armed forces and contributing to the war effort.
Today, Dixie County continues to be known for its natural beauty, including the Suwannee River and its tributaries, which attract tourists and outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year. The county's economy is primarily based on agriculture, fishing, and tourism. Throughout its history, Dixie County has maintained its unique cultural heritage and strong sense of community, making it a significant part of Florida's rich past and promising future.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, Dixie County experienced rapid growth as settlers moved inland from the coastal areas. The establishment of homesteads, plantations, and small farms contributed to the agricultural development of the county. The growth was further boosted by the advent of the railroad in the early 20th century, which connected Dixie County with other parts of Florida and facilitated trade and transportation.
The county was officially created in 1921 and named after the reputed "Southern" region of the United States commonly referred to as "Dixie." The people of Dixie County played an active role in events such as World War II, with many residents enlisting in the armed forces and contributing to the war effort.
Today, Dixie County continues to be known for its natural beauty, including the Suwannee River and its tributaries, which attract tourists and outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year. The county's economy is primarily based on agriculture, fishing, and tourism. Throughout its history, Dixie County has maintained its unique cultural heritage and strong sense of community, making it a significant part of Florida's rich past and promising future.
Dixie County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Dixie County, Florida.
- 1921 - Dixie County is established on April 25, 1921, and is named after "Dixie," a common nickname for the southern United States.
- 1925 - Cross City is designated as the county seat.
- 1936 - The Suwannee River Wildlife Sanctuary is established as a protected area within the county.
- 1969 - The Cross Florida Barge Canal, which was originally planned to traverse the county, is permanently halted and later transformed into the Cross Florida Greenway.
- 1984 - Dixie County Historical Society is formed to preserve and promote the county's history.
- 1993 - Dixie County Historical Society opens a museum to showcase artifacts and documents from the county's past.
- 2008 - Dixie County is significantly affected by the landfall of Hurricane Hermine, causing widespread damages and power outages.
- 2019 - The population of Dixie County is estimated to be around 16,063 people.
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