About Baker County

Location

Baker County is one of Florida’s First Coast counties located in Northeast Florida, only a short distance from the Jacksonville beaches on the Atlantic Ocean. The county borders the state of Georgia, is 140 miles from the Florida Capital in Tallahassee, and 45 miles from the University of Florida in Gainesville.

Area Profile

There are 585 square miles in Baker County. The projected population is over 25,000 within five years. Macclenny, the county seat with a population of 5,000, is expected to keep up with the county projection. Baker County is growing rapidly due to its prime location and the availability of five interchanges on Interstate 10, which crosses the county from east to west.The climate in Northeast Florida is mild with plenty of sunshine. Baker County has a mean temperature of 69 degrees F. and a distinctive change in seasons.

History

In 1861 by an act of the legislature, Baker County became the 39th county in Florida. The county was named for Honorable James McNait Baker, former Judge of the Fourth Judicial District of the State of Florida.The first county seat was located in Sanderson until February 1, 1886 when it was moved to Macclenny. Macclenny was named after C.B. Macclenny, a big timber salesman. The town was incorporated April 11, 1887, and a revised map was recorded on March 4, 1889.Olustee Battlefield, a state historic site located in Baker County, is a memorial to the major engagement of the Civil War in Florida. The battlefield, on U.S. 90 two miles east of Olustee, covers 270 acres.At the beginning of the 20th century, the main businesses were: cattle raising, turpentining, lumbering, and farming. Osceola National Forest has played an important roll in the economy of the county.

Recreation

There are boundless opportunities for the outdoor sportsman in Baker County. A large part of the Osceola National Forest lies within its boundaries, providing some of Florida’s best hunting. The mild climate and the availability of lakes in the county and nearby provide a vast opportunity for the fisherman. Swimming and water skiing are also enjoyed, especially on the 800-acre Ocean Pond, located in the national forest.Other recreational facilities, including ball fields and tennis courts, are publicly maintained. An excellent public golf course, Pineview Golf and Country Club, is located in Macclenny. The YMCA, school system, and local churches offer a variety of sports and culture programs in the community.