Switzerland in St. Johns County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
History of Alpine Groves Park
Photographed by Tim Fillmon, August 1, 2023
1. History of Alpine Groves Park Marker
This site was an orange grove homestead during the booming 19th Century citrus industry. There are three historic structures, including the Bennett House, a citrus sorting shed, and the horse stables, all of which are the last remaining physical structures in this area from the 1800s. These buildings provide a unique window into the rich local history and 1900s economic development of northwest St. Johns County that includes Fruit Cove, Orangedale, and Switzerland. The property is significant because the house, along with the outbuildings that supported the running of the farm and groves, are intact and have remained relatively preserved. The structure is an "I-house" design, which was a popular style of vernacular architecture in northern Florida during the late 1800s. The orange packing barn is one of very few remaining in St. Johns County and has retained original equipment including orange washers, grove heaters, and packing items.
Erected by St. Johns County.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Settlements & Settlers.
Location. 30° 4.873′ N,
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: A different marker also named History of Alpine Groves Park (approx. 0.3 miles away); Alpine Groves (approx. 0.4 miles away); St. Johns County / New Switzerland Plantation (approx. half a mile away); Beluthahatchee (approx. 1½ miles away);
Photographed by Tim Fillmon, August 1, 2023
2. History of Alpine Groves Park Marker
Also see . . . A Brief History of Alpine Groves Park. Friends of Alpine Groves Park website entry (Submitted on February 15, 2024, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed by Tim Fillmon, August 1, 2023
3. Orange Packing House
Photographed by Tim Fillmon, August 1, 2023
4. Bennett House
Credits. This page was last revised on February 15, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 8, 2023, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. This page has been viewed 587 times since then and 73 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 8, 2023, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida.
