Originally this area was inhabited by Seminole Indians, it had large Live Oak trees and the Indians named it Alachua meaning "sink". In 1824 the Seminoles were moved to a reservation. In 1826 roads, stores and a post office were completed. By 1905 the city once known as Newnasville was officially incorporated and the total population was 526. If you look at these old photographs and then look at Alachua today you can just imagine how it used to be as many of these building have survived. Of course back then Main Street was a tree lined dirt road that was packed with wagons on Saturday mornings. You can drive around Alachua today and see many intact Victorian homes all built at the turn of the century, some are private homes while others like the Ivy House have been turned into businesses. The City of Alachua has kept its old charm and remains 'The Good Life Community'. |
