Discover Lawtey: Railroad History and Nature

Lawtey offers two distinct perspectives for planning a trip: the town’s railroad history and the landscape of Raiford Wildlife Management Area. The first tells the story of Lawtey’s development since the 19th century; the second is characterized by pine forests, hardwood forests, and waterways. When looking for a hotel in Lawtey, you can tailor your stay to whichever interests you more: local history or the natural landscape.

Railroads and Historic Traces

The arrival of the Florida Railroad in the 1850s contributed to Lawtey’s growth. A railroad depot was established in Lawtey, and the town also developed into a center for trade and commerce. In this way, transportation and economic history go hand in hand: the railroad represents an important period in the town’s development, while trade and commerce add to Lawtey’s economic role.

Lawtey’s historic sites include old railroad structures and local landmarks that recall its former role as an important transportation hub. The Old Train Depot is now used as a municipal administration building. A black-and-white photograph of Main Street from around 1900 also shows a railroad depot. These two glimpses illustrate the role of the railroad in Lawtey’s history in different ways: through the Old Train Depot’s present-day municipal use and through a historic view of Main Street.

Churches and Agriculture

The history of Lawtey’s churches can also be traced through specific founding dates. Evergreen Baptist Church in Lawtey was founded in 1887, and Lawtey Baptist Church in 1905. Lawtey Methodist Episcopal Church, South was founded in 1916, and Macedonia Free Will Baptist Church in 1928. These dates span the late 19th century through the first decades of the 20th century, adding another dimension to the timeline of Lawtey’s history.

Cotton and citrus cultivation were important to Lawtey’s economy. Tomatoes were also part of its agricultural history, along with peanuts and potatoes. This reveals another facet alongside trade and transportation: a variety of crops formed part of the history of local agriculture.

Raiford Wildlife Management Area

Raiford Wildlife Management Area is located on Northwest County Road 125 in Lawtey, Florida, and covers more than 9,000 acres. Much of it consists of open pine forests, pine plantations, and lowland hardwood forests.

The waterways also differ in location. The New River flows through the center of Raiford Wildlife Management Area. Olustee Creek branches off and runs through the eastern part of the area. Thus, the two waterways are located in different parts of the area: the New River runs through the center, while Olustee Creek is in the east.

Fishing is subject to a specific restriction: it is allowed in Raiford Wildlife Management Area only on hunting days. The remaining part of the area is open only during hunting seasons. Seasonal rules can change, so check the current regulations for the area and fishing before making plans.

Discover more destinations: Starke

For the broader travel overview: Bradford County.