Hague


Walking Map of the Historical Area

1. De Soto Trail Exhibit
Florida's De Soto Trail commemorates the overland route of Hernando De Soto's expedition. From a landing on the Gulf coast in May 1539, an army of 622 soldiers and others embarked on an ill-fated, four-year exploration of the southeast. Historical and archeological research have made possible the placing of roadside markers, at five-mile intervals, marking the expedition's approximate passage. In Alachua County the Trail follows State Road 121 from the Levy County Line through Gainesville to US 441; thence along this highway to the Columbia County line. Interpretative exhibits are located along the trail. One is in the wayside park at Hague. There is another just north of the Santa Fe River.

2. Bethel-Hague Baptist Church
Around the turn of the century, Baptists began holding services in homes. Later the McClosky Brothers, owners of a turpentine still, saw mill, and commissary in Hague, made the commissary available for the congregation to meet. The church was formally organized April 2, 1911 as the Bethel Baptist Church. A new church building was constructed in 1927. With additions, it continues to serve the congregation.

3. Old School House-Methodist Church
This heart pine building was built in the 1880's and served as the school and meeting house for the community of Hague. On Sundays it served as a church. Families gave trees on their land to be cut at the local saw mills for the lumber to construct the building. When another school was built in 1890, the building was transferred to the Methodist Church. Early in the 1940's the church closed. In 1982 a group of dedicated local residents met to restore and reestablish the Methodist Church with monthly services. In 1983 the Church was officially reorganized and regular services resumed. The original wide board, tongue-and-groove flooring, benches, and pulpit were still used. The adjacent cemetery has served the whole Hague community and the graves of many area pioneers may be found here.


TThis information has been researched and compiled by the Alachua County Historical Commission, and sponsered by the Alachua County Commission as part of the Alachua County Historical Tour Series (1986)