Alachua County will dedicate two new state historical markers at Spring Hill United Methodist Church and Spring Hill Cemetery in Alachua on Sunday at 2 p.m.
One marker will remember both the church and Old Bellamy Road where it’s located (23000 Old Bellamy Road) while the other will feature early settler William Henry Traxler.
An Alachua County press release said the markers are sponsored by descendants of Traxler.
“These markers include the history of an early settlement of our County and State,” Kathleen Pagan, staff liaison to the county’s historical Commission, said in a press release. “Since the 1826 Bellamy Road was the first federal road in Florida, following Indian trails. The church began in 1860 and was rebuilt later following storm damage. A bygone country store started by WH Traxler was important to the agricultural community.”
Housed under Florida’s Division of Historical Resources, the Historical Marker Program seeks to inform and enhance visitors of notable sites. Many markers designate churches, schools, battlefields, archaeological sites, and homes.