Haile Homestead

The Haile Homestead is a large residential house in Gainesville built with sturdy limestone piers that support the wooden frame structure. The building shows 19th-century construction techniques and practical solutions designed for Florida's climate.

The house was established in 1856 by a family from South Carolina and initially operated as a plantation. After the Civil War, it was repurposed and transformed into a farm with different economic activities.

The homestead represents the complex social dynamics of the antebellum South, transitioning from a cotton plantation to a productive farm following the Civil War.

The property can be visited on weekends and is easily accessible to guests. It is advisable to check in advance whether tours are available and how much time to plan for a visit.

Inside the walls are handwritten notes and records left by the family that document everyday experiences spanning over a century. These personal writings offer a rare glimpse into the private thoughts and routines of past residents.

Location: Florida

GPS coordinates: 29.59444,-82.43528

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:08