The Gainesville Hawthorne Trail State Park was a former hub of activity for several railroads from as far back as the 1880’s, hauling miscellaneous freight including vegetables, fruit, lumber, and passengers. The state acquired the trail property in 1988 and 1989. This development of this trail was funded through several bodies including the State of Florida, the City of Gainesville, the Alachua County Commission, and the Florida Rails-to-Trails Program.