National Register Listing

Hosford School and Gymnasium

a.k.a. Hosford Elementary School; LI518, LI519

16827 NE FL 65, Hosford, FL
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Education; Entertainment/recreation

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2020.

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.

architecture education entertainment recreation
Audiobooks about the history of Florida.
The Everglades, one of Florida's most iconic natural landmarks, was not always a protected area. In fact, it was once considered a worthless swamp and was drained and developed for agricultural purposes in the early 20th century.
Florida random facts
Liberty County, located in the Florida Panhandle, has a history dating back thousands of years, with evidence of Native American settlements in the region. However, the county's recorded history begins with the arrival of European settlers in the 19th century. In 1824, Liberty County was established as one of the original 13 counties in Florida.

During its early years, Liberty County was primarily focused on agriculture, with cotton being the main cash crop. Slavery played a significant role in the county's economy before the Civil War, with many large plantations dotting the landscape. However, with the abolition of slavery and the devastation caused by the war, the county's agricultural industry declined.

As the 20th century approached, the timber industry became the backbone of Liberty County's economy. Lumber mills were established, and the county's vast pine forests were extensively harvested. The arrival of the railroad in the early 1900s further boosted the timber industry, allowing for easier transportation of lumber to other markets.

In more recent years, the economy of Liberty County has seen a shift towards tourism and small-scale agriculture. With its pristine natural surroundings and abundant hunting and fishing opportunities, the county has become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The county's rural charm, coupled with its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, attracts visitors looking for a slower pace of life and a chance to explore the untamed beauty of the region.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Liberty County, Florida.

  • 1832 - Liberty County is established as a county in Florida
  • 1833 - Settlement of Apalachicola, located in present-day Liberty County, is incorporated
  • 1840s - The economy of Liberty County relies heavily on agriculture, particularly cotton and tobacco
  • 1861-1865 - Liberty County plays a significant role in the American Civil War; many residents serve in the Confederate Army
  • 1876 - The town of Bristol is established as the county seat of Liberty County
  • 1900s - Development of timber and turpentine industries becomes prominent, leading to economic growth in the county
  • 1942 - Liberty County Training School for African American students is established
  • 1964 - Liberty County Freedom Organization is formed to advocate for civil rights
  • 1998 - Liberty County High School is built, consolidating multiple smaller schools in the area