Near SW Elim Church Road (County Road 238) 0.2 miles east of SW Ichetucknee Avenue, on the right when traveling east.
It’s August 17, 1539…
When Hernando de Soto’s scouts sight the abandoned Indian village of Caliquen, Cavalry Captain Baltasar de Gallegos is ordered to move ahead –
My men and I were sent to check for food and supplies. When . . . — — Map (db m127006) HM
Near SW Elim Church Road (County Road 238) 0.2 miles east of SW Ichetucknee Avenue, on the right when traveling east.
Ichetucknee Springs
Has been designated a
Registered Natural Landmark
under the provisions of the
Historic Sites Act of August 21, 1955
this site possesses exceptional value
in illustrating the natural history of the United . . . — — Map (db m126019) HM
On NW 1st Street (State Road 47) near West Well Street, on the right when traveling south.
The town of Fort White, named for a former Second Seminole War fort built nearby in 1837, was founded in 1870 and flourished briefly after the arrival of the railroad in 1888. Phosphate mining and the growing of citrus and cotton sparked a boom that . . . — — Map (db m64600) HM
Near this point, the Bellamy Road crossed the Santa Fe River. The road was named for its builder, John Bellamy, a civil engineer. Approved by Congress in 1824 and completed in 1826, it was the first Federally funded road in Florida, connecting St. . . . — — Map (db m155320) HM
On Northwest Falling Creek Road (County Road 131) 0.9 miles north of US Highway 41 (State Road 100), on the right when traveling north.
It’s September 10, 1539…
Conquistador Hernando de Soto has come to Uriutina, a deserted Indian village near here.
We have feasted upon the bounty of food left behind by the fleeing villagers. Messengers sent by Chief Uzachile have . . . — — Map (db m126584) HM
On Marion Street (SR 47) (U.S. 441) at NW Orange Street, on the right when traveling north on Marion Street (SR 47).
Originally called Alpata Telophka, or Alligator Town, this site was a Seminole village, ruled by the powerful chief Alligator, an instigator of the Dade Massacre, which began the great Seminole War of 1835. Following the cessation of hostilities, a . . . — — Map (db m57686) HM
On Marion Avenue (SR 47) (U.S. 441) near NW Orange Street, on the left when traveling south.
The Apalachee Indian Trail of early times
passed in this vicinity through Alligator -
now Lake City - to near the upper mineral
springs - White Springs - on to Tallahassee
via Alapaha.
This marker commemorates, also, the historically . . . — — Map (db m57642) HM
On U.S. 41/441 near SE Racetrack Way (County Road 133B), on the right when traveling north.
Old Bethel Church was first organized by Alligator area settlers as early as the 1820s. The original church was a small log structure located some two miles northeast of this site. In 1855, this building was erected to accommodate a growing number . . . — — Map (db m54580) HM
On Northwest Falling Creek Road (County Road 131) 0.9 miles north of US Highway 41 (State Road 100), on the right when traveling north.
Falling Creek Falls Park is a cooperative venture between the Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD) and the Columbia County Board of County Commissioners. The SRWMD acquired the land through the Preservation 2000 land acquisition program . . . — — Map (db m126089) HM
Near Northwest Falling Creek Road (County Road 131) 1.2 miles north of US Highway 41 (State Road 100), on the left when traveling north.
Earliest known records indicate a Baptist congregation worshipped at this site until 1866, when the church became Methodist. The church continues regular worship services (as it has since its founding) and is open to visitors. The original log . . . — — Map (db m126091) HM
On Northeast Coach Anders Lane at Northeast Aggie Avenue, on the right when traveling north on Northeast Coach Anders Lane.
Side 1
African American education in Columbia County dates to Reconstruction when the first school was established in 1866 for freed people of color in the county. In 1906, the Lake City School for Colored Students was created under the . . . — — Map (db m202818) HM
Near Interstate 10, 1.7 miles west of Interstate 75 (Federal Route I-75), on the right when traveling west.
The light of freedom still burns brightly in our world today because
of the service and sacrifice of America’s men and women in uniform.
Our Nation’s servicemen and women have fought the forces of tyranny and
won victories for liberty, . . . — — Map (db m152579) WM
On Northeast Lake Desoto Circle at Northeast Madison Street, on the right when traveling north on Northeast Lake Desoto Circle.
During the Reconstruction Era local townspeople threw several rifles, trap door Springfield Model 1868 Caliber .50-.70, belonging to U.S. Forces into Lake DeSoto to protest the presence of Federal Troops in the area.
Sixteen rifles were . . . — — Map (db m149337) HM
This "CCC Boy" Statue
was erected by
Chapter 143, NACCCA,
Gainsville, Florida
In 2007. Chapter 143 was organized by
CCC veterans of the area on
October 1, 1988.
This statue was donated to Chapter 143 and O'Leno
State Park by . . . — — Map (db m66128) HM
2,876,638 American youth
served in 4500 CCC Camps
restoring ravaged lands of a
depressed America.
Some Accomplishments
2 to 3 billion trees planted, 800
parks built, 3980 historical sites
restored, and 6 million days . . . — — Map (db m65804) HM
Originally called "Keno", for a variation of lotto gambling, the town was settled in the 1860's. Ecclesiastical and commercial pressure changed the name to "Leno" in 1876. A grist and saw mill, cotton gin, stores, and hotel sprang up in the . . . — — Map (db m64075) HM
