Switzerland in St. Johns County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Alpine Groves
Photographed by Tim Fillmon, August 1, 2023
1. Alpine Groves Marker
In the late 1800s, the St. Johns River was used for the transport of goods and people in Northeast Florida. On this property, there are three historic structures: the farmhouse, a citrus sorting shed and the horse stables, strategically placed for access to the St. Johns River for transporting the oranges grown on the property. Many orange groves were once located in the area and local names reflect the history: Fruit Cove, Orangedale, Mandarin, and Orange Park. In the late 1930s, the Harris Family purchased the property and named it "Alpine Groves", due to its location in Switzerland, Florida. The orange producing industry thrived in Northeast Florida in the 1800s, but devasting freezes over the course of several years saw an end to the orange groves. In the 1890s the once thriving industry was lost.
Erected by St. Johns County.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1890.
Location. 30° 4.567′ N, 81° 38.924′ W. Marker is in Switzerland, Florida, in St. Johns County. It can be reached from Florida Route
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in First Coast and in Greater Jacksonville. It is also in the American South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: St. Johns County / New Switzerland Plantation (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); History of Alpine Groves Park (about 700 feet away); a different marker also named History of Alpine Groves Park (approx. 0.4 miles away); Welcome to Beluthahatchee Park (approx. 1.4 miles away); Beluthahatchee (approx. 1.4 miles away); a different marker also named Beluthahatchee (approx.
Photographed by Tim Fillmon, August 1, 2023
2. Alpine Groves Marker
Also see . . . Alpine Groves Park. St. John's County website entry (Submitted on August 6, 2023, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida.)
Photographed by Tim Fillmon, August 1, 2023
3. Alpine Groves Farmhouse
Credits. This page was last revised on April 7, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 6, 2023, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. This page has been viewed 330 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 6, 2023, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida.
