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A sleepy town located about 25 miles south-west of Jacksonville, Florida in what is known as Clay County, Middleburg is what some may consider a classic representation of 'rural' America.
Middleburg, one of the oldest towns in Florida, developed in the early 1800s as a link between the St Johns River and the rest of Florida, and was settled in the main by Irish and German immigrants.
For its size Middleburg seems to have little visitor value, but the surrounding area has much to offer if you look for it. The Black Creek Ravines Conservation Area is about a mile to the east of Middleburg on Black Creek (which runs through the town), and Jennings State Forest is located to the north, nearer Jacksonville. While they appear to be little more than a few dirt tracks through woodland, both offer camping, swimming, bicycling, hiking, bird watching, wildlife viewing, picnicking, fishing, canoeing and other outdoor activities.
In the town itself there are many representative Victorian Era homes to marvel at, but the oldest building in Middleburg must be seen.The United Methodist Church -arguably the oldest Methodist meeting place in Florida, the church was built mostly by slave labour, using native lumber and hand-wrought nails from local blacksmiths. The heart of pine exterior is of clapboard square edge siding, a design unique to the period. The windows and mahogany wood for the pews were brought from overseas and the church bell was cast in New York in 1852, and then shipped to Middleburg by Mr George Branning. The wide aisle down the centre of the church was designed to segregate men and women, while the back pews were reserved for slaves. The pews themselves were put together with wooden pegs and hand-drawn - the marks of the draw-knife can still be seen.
For more in the way of historical culture try the Middleburg Historical Museum Inc on Section Street which offers artefacts from Fort Heilman and many photographs and displays of the early turpentine and timber industries in Middleburg. The Hilltop Heritage Museum in the town also delves into the past of Middleburg, with information on the local indigenous people and the Seminole and Civil Wars, while the Black Heritage Museum on Longmire Avenue at the Hunter-Douglas Park gives a fascinating insight into the lives of African-American slaves in the area during the 1800s.
Middleburg has a very quiet and laid-back feel. There is little to no crime and the community often looks to nearby Jacksonville for further entertainment. However, by delving a little deeper you can find something for all tastes.
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| Sale Pending |
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| MLS Number: |
554199 |
| Bedrooms: |
3 |
| Bathrooms: |
2.0 |
| Living Area: |
1426 |
| Year Built: |
2005 |
| # of Units: |
1 |
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NSP program HOME
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