HISTORY OF WALDO

The Waldo Historic District

The Waldo Historic District, which was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on February 2, 2001, encompasses approximately 560 acres and includes 60 historic buildings. It’s bounded by Northwest 1st Avenue, Main Street, Southwest 5th Boulevard, and Southwest 4th Street. This district preserves the architectural and cultural heritage of Waldo’s past, reflecting its growth during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Notable structures include homes, commercial buildings, and civic sites from the town’s peak as a rail and agricultural center.

Visitors to Waldo can explore the district to see preserved buildings that highlight Waldo’s historical significance, though specific buildings open to the public are not detailed in available sources.

Waldo Historical Marker

Erected in 1973 by the Alachua County Historical Commission in cooperation with the Florida Department of State, this marker is located in Waldo right next to the caboose in waldo at the park on S.R. 24 and provides a concise history of the town. It notes the arrival of English-speaking settlers in the 1820s, the establishment of Fort Harlee during the Second Seminole War (1837), and the town’s naming after Dr. Benjamin Waldo when the Florida Railroad reached the area in 1858. It also mentions the Santa Fe Canal, constructed in 1879, which connected Waldo to Melrose via steamboats. The marker is a publicly accessible point of interest for visitors.

National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.

Early Businesses and Infrastructure

Waldo’s historic growth was driven by many businesses like the Waldo Hotel (built in1869), the old Opera House (1872), the Entenza Cigar Factory (1881), and the Sparkman Grocery Store (1893) being renovated now. While these specific buildings may no longer stand or be publicly accessible, some historic structures within the Waldo Historic District likely date to this period. The district’s buildings reflect the architectural styles and economic activity of the era, though exact conditions (e.g., whether they’re restored or in disrepair) are not specified in recent sources.

Santa Fe Canal Remnants

In 1879, the Santa Fe Canal Company completed two canals connecting Waldo to Melrose via Lake Alto and Lake Santa Fe. It was used by steamboats like the “F.S. Lewis” and “Alert” for passenger and freight transport until around 1920. While commercial use has ceased, the canals remain in use for recreational boating. Visitors can explore these waterways, which are a tangible link to Waldo’s transportation history and a great deal of fun.

Waldo Station (Former Train Station)

Located at the interchange of US 301 and SR 24, the current Waldo station serves Amtrak Thruway buses but was once a key stop for passenger trains. The original station, which was built by the Seaboard Air Line Railway, was a two-story structure with a large freight room and served as a divisional headquarters. In 1930, the top floor and part of the freight room were removed, and in 1963, the original building was replaced by the current, more modest structure. Historically, the station served major trains like the Silver Meteor and Silver Star, connecting New York City to Miami and St. Petersburg. While no longer a passenger train stop, the station remains a functional part of the CSX S-Line and a visible reminder of Waldo’s rail heritage. The building itself is still open to the public, because Amtrak bus will pick up passengers to take to the train station in Jacksonville, FL.