Sights and Scenes: Micanopy

Covering 1.03 square miles and named after a Seminole Nation chief, Micanopy is believed to be the oldest inland town in Florida. Established in 1821, it was the first town to be developed after Spain relinguished Florida to the United States. Eventually bypassed by US 441, Micanopy has been largely preserved in its early 20th century state, offering visitors an interesting look at a Florida community that has avoided the modern proliferation of suburban sprawl, roadway widenings and autocentric development. Here is a look at an old Florida town that has become well known for its collection of antique shops and cafes.

The Lost Art Antiques shop

Downtown Micanopy is located along the town’s main street, Cholokka Boulevard. The Mountain Garage building was constructed for John Robert Mountain in 1913. It was once a filling station.

MM Gallery Art Gallery & Fine Furnishings

The Shop home good store was built in 1925 as the Daily Drug Store.

The Little Story House was built in the early 1920s. It was once used by Cody Hunter as an electric and radio repair shop.

The Feaster Building was built by Otis Laney Feaster, Jr. in 1903.

Downtown Micanopy. The Benjamin Building can be seen on the left. It dates back to the 1880s and was built for the S.H. Benjamin & Company.

The Shady Oak Gallery and Coffee n’ Cream

This residence was constructed for James Boyce Simonton in 1910.

101 NE Ocala Avenue

Dating back to 1880, the Old Micanopy Baptist Church is now a private residence.

The earliest marker in the Micanopy Historic Cemetery dates back to 1826.

Haynes Memorial Cemetery has historically served Micanopy’s Black community.

Article by Ennis Davis, AICP. Contact Ennis at edavis@moderncities.com