Prepared by Ben Pickard
Alachua County Historic Trust
Matheson Museum, Inc.
Historical Overview
Long before the Spaniards arrived in Florida, Alachua County's unique combination of fertile soil, broad prairies, clear lakes and abundant game had spawned a complex Indian civilization called Timucuan. Throughout the 16th century, DeSoto and other Spanish explorers plundered the region, then Franciscan priests founded missions and finally ranchers established a large cattle ranch on Paynes Prairie.
18th Century | 19th Century | 20th Century | Postwar Era | Since 1970 | Significant Dates | Larger Historic Towns
Small Historic Towns | Significant Homes | Significant Buildings | Significant Sites | Historical Figures