Archer
Archer, located in southwest Alachua County, was laid out in 1853 by a company owned by the
Florida Railroad that built the railroad from Fernandina to Cedar Key. Agriculture became important
in 1880 when Quakers from Indiana and Ohio planted extensive orange groves. Although the
freezes of 1894-95 destroyed the groves, Archer still remains an agricultural center today.
Hawthorne
Hawthorne is nestled among some of th most famous fishing lakes in the state. Lochloosa and
Orange Lakes are both in close proximity and the surrounding countryside is dotted with many
smaller lakes which provide lakeside living for both permanent and weekend/vacation residents.
High Springs
High Springs, once a boisterous phosphate mining and railroad town, is a shopping haven for antique
and collectible seekers. Several major natural springs and rivers attract the recreation-minded. Poe Springs,
a large County park recently opened, is within a few miles of High Springs. High Springs has an annual
celebration in May called Pioneer Days.
Micanopy
Founded in the 1500's, Micanopy is the oldest inland town in Florida and was once occupied by
the Timucuan Indians prior to the arrival of the Seminoles in the mid 1700's. Micanopy is now
an antique and arts center which draws thousands of visitor each year. Every November there
is a Fall Festival celebration. The surrounding fantastic natural scenery and charming historic
structures provided the setting for several movies, including Doc Hollywood.
Newberry
Newberry also came into being because of the phosphate industry and the extension of the
Savannah, Florida and Western Railroad in 1853. Agriculture is important to Newberry today
and you are invited to their annual Watermelon Festival held during June each year.
Waldo
Waldo proudly dates from the latter part of the 19th century and is also a product of the
expansion of the railroad. Waldo celebrates her beginnings each year with Railroad Days.
Waldo remains in the railroad business today with the only Amtrak station in Alachua County.