Traxler, Florida facts for kids
Traxler is a ghost town located in Alachua County, Florida. It's just north of the city of Alachua. A ghost town is a place where people used to live and work, but now it's mostly empty or abandoned.
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The Story of Traxler
Traxler began to grow in the 1880s. A man named William H. Traxler was born in Florida in 1854. His parents were settlers from South Carolina. William Traxler bought land in Alachua County. He opened a general store and started farming.
How Traxler Grew
William Traxler married Mary Lelia Dell in 1889. As his businesses did well, he bought more land. He also made his store bigger. A post office was set up in Traxler in 1891. Mr. Traxler was the postmaster. This means he was in charge of the mail.
What Traxler Was Like
The community of Traxler had many things. It had a one-room school where children learned. There were also homes for tenant farmers. These farmers rented land to grow crops. The town also had a cotton gin and a grist mill. A cotton gin separates cotton fibers from their seeds. A grist mill grinds grain into flour. There was also a church in Traxler.
Why Traxler Became a Ghost Town
The post office in Traxler closed in 1906. This was a sign that the town was shrinking. Over time, people moved away. The businesses closed down. This is how Traxler became a ghost town.
A Lasting Landmark
Even though Traxler is mostly empty, one building is still active. The Spring Hill United Methodist Church was founded in 1860. As of 2010, this church still held meetings in Traxler.
Images for kids
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A memorial in Traxler
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The Spring Hill Methodist Church
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A sign for a road leading into Traxler
