Gainesville in Alachua County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Roper Park
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Old City Park
Reverse:
The barracks for the East Florida Seminary were built on this site in 1886, behind this marker and directly east of the academic hall.The two-story frame building had a double veranda along the south side, and a two-story porch surrounded an open courtyard in its center. The 197' by 90' building occupied the north half of the block. Out-of-town students lived in 45 12'x14' rooms that contained two iron beds with moss mattresses and feather pillows, a study table, a washstand, and a stove. Male teachers occupied 14 rooms. The kitchen, bathrooms and infirmary were located in separate buildings north of the barracks, and the two-story dining hall was located on the east side of the lower floor.Parade grounds where male students were required to do daily military drills occupied the south half of the block (in front of this marker). The Friday dress parade was attended by many of the locals, particularly the young ladies. When Gainsville was awarded the University of Florida, a torchlight parade wound its way through the streets, and around the drill field. The City of Gainesville purchased the block in 1906. In 1907, Mayor William Thomas bought the barracks and added them to the nearby White House Hotel.
Erected 2003 by A Florida Heritage Site The Alachua County Historical Commission and Florida Department of State. (Marker Number F-492.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Places. A significant historical year for this entry is 1856.
Location. 29° 39.32′ N, 82° 19.367′ W. Marker is in Gainesville, Florida, in Alachua County. It is on NE 2nd Street near NE 5th Avenue, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Gainesville FL 32601, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in North Florida. 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 walking distance of this marker: Thomas House (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); "The Great Endurance Run" (about 700 feet away); 9/11 Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); City of Gainesville (approx. 0.2 miles away); East Florida Seminary (approx. 0.2 miles away); First Gainesville Skirmish / Battle of Gainesville (approx. 0.2 miles away); We Remember Them With Compassion (approx. 0.2 miles away); To the Americans Held Hostage by Iran (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gainesville.
Another marker is no longer nearby. The Gainesville Servicemen's Center / Thelma Boltin Center (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been confirmed missing).
Credits. This page was last revised on November 12, 2018. It was originally submitted on June 5, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,190 times since then and 106 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 5, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.


