History
Lake City has a rich history and has played a major role in the development of our great country. It served as an important railroad junction in the early 20th century to four major railways and produced much-needed agricultural products such as cotton, fruits, vegetables, and maize. Other interesting facts about the history of Lake City include:
- The town gained its current name of ‘Lake City’ in 1859, due to the number of lakes in and around the city.
- Before that it was known as ‘Alligator’, which derived its name from the adjacent Native American village of ‘Alpata Telophka’ (translation: Alligator Town).
- In 1864 the Battle of Olustee took place near the town. A festival and re-enactment is now held every year to remember that day in history.
You can be a part of this rich history, the tight-nit community, and the splendor of Lake City everyday. Learn more about the town, its founders, and its history at the Columbia County Historical Museum.