Interlachen, Florida facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Interlachen, Florida
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| Town of Interlachen | |
Interlachen Town Hall in 2018
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| Motto(s):
"Between the Lakes"
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Location in Putnam County and the state of Florida
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Florida |
| County | Putnam |
| Settled (Blue Pond) | c. Late 1870s |
| Incorporated (Town of Interlachen) | 1888 |
| Government | |
| • Type | Mayor-Council |
| Area | |
| • Total | 6.45 sq mi (16.71 km2) |
| • Land | 6.10 sq mi (15.80 km2) |
| • Water | 0.35 sq mi (0.91 km2) |
| Elevation | 105 ft (32 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 1,441 |
| • Density | 236.23/sq mi (91.21/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP codes |
32148-32149
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| Area code(s) | 386 |
| FIPS code | 12-33900 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0305857 |
Interlachen is a town located in Putnam County, Florida, in the United States. It is part of the Palatka, Florida Micropolitan Statistical Area. In 2020, the town had a population of 1,441 people.
Contents
History of Interlachen
The area that is now Interlachen first welcomed settlers in the 1870s. This happened when the Florida Southern Railway built train tracks through the region. Back then, the area was known as "Blue Pond".
The town grew as a popular spot for winter vacations. It was also known for growing citrus fruits like oranges. In 1888, the Town of Interlachen officially became a municipality, which means it gained its own local government.
The original Interlachen Town Hall burned down in 1891. A new one was built the very next year. This building still stands today and is used as a museum and for special events. In 1895, a very cold period called the Great Freeze caused a big problem for the town's citrus farms and tourism.
Also in 1895, the Interlachen Academy was built. This school building is the oldest wooden school house in Florida that has been used continuously. Today, it is home to the JROTC program for Interlachen High School.
How Interlachen Got Its Name
The town's name came from a resident named Mr. Berkelmann. He was from Switzerland and used to live in a place called Interlachen there. He suggested the name for the Florida town because it reminded him of his old home. The name "Interlachen" means "between the lakes." This is a perfect fit for the town, as it is located between Lake Lagonda and Lake Chipco, its two largest lakes. The town actually has more than 28 lakes within its borders!
Modern Developments
In 1926, Interlachen received electricity for the first time. Around the same time, Route 14, now known as Florida State Road 20, was built through the town. In the 1930s, trains were very common, with one passing through every two hours. However, as railroads became less popular, the Interlachen Railroad depot was taken down in 1969. Today, a caboose (the last car on a freight train) sits in the middle of town. It serves as a reminder of the town's past as a busy tourist destination.
Geography of Interlachen
The Town of Interlachen is located in North Central Florida. It covers a total area of about 6.4 square miles (16.7 square kilometers). Most of this area, about 5.8 square miles (15.8 square kilometers), is land. The remaining 0.6 square miles (0.91 square kilometers) is water, made up of its many lakes.
Climate
Interlachen has a climate with hot and humid summers. The winters are generally mild. This type of weather is known as a humid subtropical climate.
Population and People
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1890 | 207 | — | |
| 1900 | 147 | −29.0% | |
| 1910 | 263 | 78.9% | |
| 1920 | 177 | −32.7% | |
| 1930 | 235 | 32.8% | |
| 1940 | 251 | 6.8% | |
| 1950 | 297 | 18.3% | |
| 1960 | 349 | 17.5% | |
| 1970 | 478 | 37.0% | |
| 1980 | 848 | 77.4% | |
| 1990 | 1,160 | 36.8% | |
| 2000 | 1,475 | 27.2% | |
| 2010 | 1,403 | −4.9% | |
| 2020 | 1,441 | 2.7% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
According to the 2020 United States census, there were 1,441 people living in Interlachen. These people lived in 654 households, with 457 of them being families. The population has grown slightly since the 2010 United States census, when there were 1,403 people.
The town is home to people from various backgrounds. In 2020, about 64% of the population was White (not Hispanic). About 7% were Black or African American, and about 23% were Hispanic or Latino. There were also smaller numbers of Native American, Asian, Pacific Islander, and multiracial residents.
Education
All public schools in Interlachen are managed by the Putnam County School Board.
- Robert H. Jenkins, Jr. Elementary School (This school was known as Interlachen Elementary School until 2021.)
- Interlachen High School (In 2021, this school merged with C.H. Price Middle School. It went back to its earlier name, Interlachen Jr.-Sr. High School.)
Library Services
The Putnam County Library System serves the area, and it has five different branches. The local library branch for Interlachen is the Interlachen Library. You can find more information about the library system at Putnam County Library System.
See also
In Spanish: Interlachen (Florida) para niños
