| Gainesville is the county seat and largest city of Alachua County. Gainesville is home to the University of Florida, which is the largest university of the State University System of Florida and the third largest university in the country. One of the nation's largest community colleges, Santa Fe Community College is also located in Gainesville. The population in 2004 was estimated at 108,856. The city has an area of 48.2 square miles with .9 square miles of water. Considered every year since 1982 as a "Tree City, USA," Gainesville is one of the southernmost cities in the country where deciduous trees predominate. It is also conveniently midway between Atlanta, Georgia, and Miami. Five hours between each city. Gainesville is rich with history, holding many historical sites like the Bailey Plantation House, Matheson Center home, Thomas Hotel, Masonic Temple, Seagle Building, Baird Hardware Company Ware house, Cox Furniture Store, Cox Furniture Warehouse, Epworth Hall, Old Gainesville Depot, Mary Phifer McKenzie House, Star Garage and many others. |