Lake City, County seat in Columbia County, Florida.
Lake City is the county seat of Columbia County in Florida and sits at the intersection of Interstate 75 and Interstate 10 in the northern part of the state. The town spreads at an elevation of 190 feet (57 meters) above sea level and serves as a regional hub for traffic and services in the area.
The settlement started in 1821 as Alligator Town near a Seminole village and received its present name in 1858 when it was incorporated. Throughout the 19th century the place grew into the administrative center of the county and remained an important location for educational institutions well into the 20th century.
The name comes from the many lakes surrounding the town, which still shape its appearance and offer space for outdoor activities. Visitors find maintained parks and public areas where locals gather for walks or fishing.
The location at the junction of two interstates makes it easy to arrive by car from southern and western directions. The local airport provides additional travel options for those covering longer distances.
An agricultural college opened its first campus here in 1884 and left the town only two decades later for Gainesville. This early location contributed substantially to the development of higher education in Florida before the institution expanded elsewhere.
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