History of Gainesville, Florida, USA

1884 - Varnum House Fire
JACKSONVILLE, FLA., May 3. - The Times-Union Gainesville special says: A fire starting in the Varnum House spread thence across the entire square west of the court house, destroying every building in its way. It then swept across Liberty street, burring the Arlington House, a splendid winter hotel, with a building in the rear. The estimated value of the buildings consumed, mostly wood, is $40,000. The value of stocks and contents is not learned. There is a rumor that a child was burned to death in one of the buildings. The fire is summoned to have been caused by a tramp put out of the Varnum House the night before.

Evening Observer
Dunkirk, New York
May 5, 1884

1895 - Gainesville
Gainesville, a post-village, capital of Alachua co., Fla., 70 miles by rail S.W. of Jacksonville, and 57 miles N.E. of Cedar Keys. It has 8 churches, a seminary, 2 banks, 3 newspaper offices, a cotton-press, a cotton-seed-oil factory, and an ice-factory. It is a resort for invalids. Pop. 2790.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1916
Gainesville, a banking city, capital of Alachua co., Fla., 70 miles SW. of Jacksonville, on the Gainesville and Gulf and other railroads. It has phosphate- and fertilizer- industries, bottling-works, etc. Market-gardening is also an important industry. It is a resort for invalids. The East Florida Seminary Is located here. Pop. in 1900, 3633.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

1958 - November 10 - WUFT TV channel 5 in Gainesville, FL (PBS) begins broadcasting

historyorb.com

1964 - 10 DIE IN GAINESVILLE AIR CRASH, SOUTH CENTRAL LINE.
Gainesville (AP) - A South Central Airline twin-engine passenger plane burst into flames immediately after takeoff today, killing at least ten persons when it plunged onto the edge of the runway.

The Beechcraft airplane was flight 510 which originated in Ocala and was en route to Jacksonville.

Several people ran to the crashed plane and tried frantically to open a door.

JO ANN ROWELL, a secretary, said the sound of the engine on takeoff indicated there was some trouble. She said she immediately went outside the terminal.

Would-be rescuers said they could see people sitting in their seats inside the craft but the blaze was so hot they had to give up attempts to break open the door.

"We were trying to get the door open but it was too hot," said MISS ROWELL, who joined those at the wreckage. "We could see two people inside. They were burning."

D. M. CARROLL, a city employe, said:
"It looked like the plane was about 200 feet high. The left-hand motor cut off and the... Read MORE...

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Gainesville:
University of Florida Campus:

Take a stroll around the beautiful UF campus. Check out the historic Century Tower and the Baughman Meditation Center.

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park:

Explore the outdoors at Paynes Prairie. It's a great spot for hiking, bird-watching, and wildlife observation.

Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park:

Visit this unique state park, known for its miniature rainforest and sinkhole.

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens:

If you're a fan of botanical wonders, this is the place for you. The gardens feature diverse plant collections and beautiful landscapes.

Florida Museum of Natural History:

Discover the natural history of Florida with exhibits on everything from fossils to butterflies. Don't miss the Butterfly Rainforest.

Harn Museum of Art:

Enjoy a range of art collections, from contemporary pieces to ancient artifacts, at the Harn Museum.

Downtown Gainesville:

Explore the vibrant downtown area with its eclectic mix of shops,... Read MORE...