Alachua County is located in North Florida, 85 miles from the Georgia state line, 50 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, and 67 miles from the Atlantic Ocean. Alachua County was established in 1824 from a portion of St. Johns County and named for a Spanish ranch existing in the vicinity in 1680. The name comes from a Seminole Indian word meaning “sink” and possibly was named for a large sinkhole in Paynes Prairie.
Alachua County was established in 1824 from a portion of St. Johns County and named for a Spanish ranch existing in the vicinity in 1680. Two derivations have been proposed for the name: La (“the” in Spanish) and Chua (“sink” in Seminole) and Luchuwa (“jug” in Seminole). The name possibly comes from a large sinkhole in Paynes Prairie.
Alachua County Businesses & Related Content
Region: North Central Region
Metro Area: Gainesville, Florida Metro Area
County Seat: Gainesville
Localities in Alachua County, FL
| Alachua Archer Gainesville Hawthorne High Springs |
La Crosse Melrose Micanopy Newberry Waldo Windsor |