Instructions:
1....Print this file.
2....At its end, click on "rules" to see a copy of the trail rules, print it, and then click where indicated at the end of the 3-page rules and patch order form to get back to the list of Florida trails.
3....If you want a hand-drawn map showing the locations of all of the sites, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to Steve Rajtar, 1614 Bimini Dr., Orlando, FL 32806.
4....Hike the trail and order whatever patches you like (optional).
WARNING - This trail may pass through one or more neighborhoods which, although full of history, may now be unsafe for individuals on foot, or which may make you feel unsafe there. Hikers have been approached by individuals who have asked for handouts or who have inquired (not always in a friendly manner) why the hikers are in their neighborhood. Drugs and other inappropriate items have been found by hikers in some neighborhoods. It is suggested that you drive the hike routes first to see if you will feel comfortable walking them and, if you don't think it's a good place for you walk, you might want to consider (1) traveling with a large group, (2) doing the route on bicycles, or (3) choosing another hike route. The degree of comfort will vary with the individual and with the time and season of the hike, so you need to make the determination using your best judgment. If you hike the trail, you accept all risks involved.
In 1823, territorial legislators petitioned the U.S. Congress for the authority to construct a road to connect Pensacola and St. Augustine. In February of 1824, Congress appropriated $20,000 for a 25-foot wide road. Tree stumps were to be cut to within a foot of the ground so that wagon axles would clear them.
Capt. Daniel Bush had the contract for the entire job and put surveyor and engineer John Bellamy in charge of the $13,500 section from Picolata on the St. Johns River to the Ochlockonee River. He used his own equipment and slaves, and completed his portion of the road in May of 1826. Construction was delayed by heavy rains and Indian attacks.
The original road crossed the county along the route of the old Spanish trail, running from near Santa Fe Lake to the natural bridge over the Santa Fe River. It was the first Federal highway in Florida, and opened the interior of north Florida to settlers.
This home, built in about 1883 by Frazier M. Stephens, originally faced west. It was enlarged to two stories in 1896 and the entrance was moved to the north side. Neighbors forming a bucket brigade twice saved it from destruction by fire.
Son Walter Stephens later lived here. It was bought in 1978 by Dr. Robert Glazer, who restored it to its former condition.
This house was built before the Civil War by John K. Stephens. Hand-planed boards were used for the interior woodwork. It later became the home of the W.D. Dukes and Tanner Davis families, and then sheriff Lu Hindery.
Edward Hodges built this house in about 1900, with the columns added later. This land was first owned by the Dell family at the time Florida became a territory. Nearby is the burial ground of the Dells. John Bellamy supposedly stayed here in 1824 with Simeon Dell while he was building this portion of the road. Later, this was the residence of the Wershow family.
Five men, including Simeon Dell and Fernando Underwood, acquired this land in December of 1860 for this church, which was soon built using locally-sawed lumber. It served both the whites and the black slaves. The wooden sanctuary survived the September 1896 windstorm, and was replaced by the present structure in 1915. The nearby cemetery contains the graves of many of the pioneer settlers of the area.
Built in the 1880s, this was the cotton gin and grist mill of William H. Traxler from South Carolina. Behind the gin was located a sawmill.
W.H. Traxler built this structure during the 1880s. It has been used as a general store, trading center and post office. The post office had been established in 1891 with Traxler as the first postmaster. It was eliminated in 1906.
This home was built of heart pine in 1917, replacing a home on this site built during the 1880s which was destroyed by fire. The wide porch provided cooling shade. In 1889, W.H. Traxler married Mary Lelia, the daughter of Simeon Dell. It was later owned by their son, Bennett Dell Traxler.
Across the street is Century Pioneer Farm, started in 1877 by William Henry Traxler.
Alachua County, Florida Historical Tour Series: Micanopy, Evinson, Archer, Newberry, by Alachua County Historical Commission (1985)
Yesterday in Florida, by Kennie L. Howard (Carlton Press, Inc. 1970)
Click here for a copy of the trail rules.