Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park History
Paynes Prairie became Florida’s first state preserve in 1971 and is designated as a national natural landmark. This site possesses exceptional values as an illustration of the nation’s natural heritage and contributes to a better understanding of the environment.
The prairie basin and surrounding uplands have been a center for man’s activities in Florida for many centuries. Human occupation dates back to 12,000 BP (Before Present). During the late 1600’s, the largest cattle ranch in Spanish Florida operated here. In 1774, William Bartram described the basin as "the Great Alachua Savannah." The Seminole were the native inhabitants then, and the prairie is thought to have been named after King Payne, a Seminole Chief. Several raids and skirmishes were fought in the vicinity during the Second Seminole War.
In 1871, heavy rains began to flood the basin. By 1873, the flooded marsh was large enough to be considered Alachua Lake. Steam-powered boats traveled across the lake to transport lumber, goods and passengers to landings along the shoreline. In 1891, Alachua sink, the main drain for the basin, became unclogged allowing the water to drain. By 1892, the character of the marsh had returned. In 1903, William Camp began cattle operations on the lush, green grasses of the prairie.
The prairie basin and surrounding uplands have been a center for man’s activities in Florida for many centuries. Human occupation dates back to 12,000 BP (Before Present). During the late 1600’s, the largest cattle ranch in Spanish Florida operated here. In 1774, William Bartram described the basin as "the Great Alachua Savannah." The Seminole were the native inhabitants then, and the prairie is thought to have been named after King Payne, a Seminole Chief. Several raids and skirmishes were fought in the vicinity during the Second Seminole War.
In 1871, heavy rains began to flood the basin. By 1873, the flooded marsh was large enough to be considered Alachua Lake. Steam-powered boats traveled across the lake to transport lumber, goods and passengers to landings along the shoreline. In 1891, Alachua sink, the main drain for the basin, became unclogged allowing the water to drain. By 1892, the character of the marsh had returned. In 1903, William Camp began cattle operations on the lush, green grasses of the prairie.
