Just a short drive away in Newberry, Florida, is one of the hidden gems of Alachua County – the Dudley Farm State Park. Added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 2002, this cultural destination gives visitors a wonderful glimpse into Florida’s colorful past.
The site was a working farm throughout the 1800s and early 1900s. The family farmhouse, with all its original furnishings, still stands today, in addition to a kitchen, general store, post office, and a cane syrup manufacturing house. Facts about the generations of Dudley family members that worked this land include:
- The Dudley family moved to Florida from South Carolina in the mid 1800s.
- The farm was purchased before the Civil War by Captain Phillip Benjamin Harvey Dudley.
- While owned by the Dudley family, eighteen buildings were constructed on the property.
- The family erected structures like a dairy shed, a canning house, a smokehouse, a mill, and a tobacco house.
Once you’ve soaked up all the fascinating history of the Dudley Farm State Park, you can also use the park for a variety of fun activities. From picnicking and hiking trails to bird watching and self-guided tours, there’s never a shortage of things to do at this historical destination. The park is just one of the many attractions near the One 51 Place apartments for rent in Alachua, Florida. For more information about the area or our community amenities, contact our leasing office today.