The city of Gainesville, Florida is the county seat of Alachua County. The city is likewise the principal city of the Gainesville Metropolitan Area or likewise known as MSA. During the year 2010, the Census recorded the population as being 124,354. Gainesville is home to the University of Florida, the 6th biggest campus within the country as well as Santa Fe College.
In the year 1869, the township of Gainesville was incorporated and named in honor of General Edmund Pendleton, a famous commander in the Second Seminole War. The city of Gainesville prospered and flourished in the late 19th Century due to its success of the phosphate and citrus industries. Gainesville's central location likewise allowed it to become a main target of the railroad business.
Because of the boll weevil infestation in the beginning of the 20th Century saw a devastating effect on the cotton crops. The University of Florida was built in the year 1906, helping to build a stable economy in the region in the depression. The university has continued to bring prosperity to the area even during the latter part of the century. Currently, the city of Gainesville is known for its various cultural places, historic districts, world class medical facilities and the newly restored city buildings.
The areas biggest employers comprise the city government, the Shands Healthcare System and the University of Florida. The top jobs sectors in the city of Gainesville comprise: education, retail, professional, scientific and technical services, healthcare, food services, accommodation and construction services. Moreover, agriculture is one of the area's major industries.
The Gainesville Technology Enterprise Center works within the area to support local tech companies looking to grow their businesses. The center works to create high paying jobs and improve the local economy by being involved in various projects.
The central hub of Gainesville is considered the Thomas Center. The Center features a lot of musical programs, art exhibits and galleries. It is likewise listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It contains local history exhibits, meeting rooms, performance space, the nearby grace and Sidney Knight's Children's Theatre and the nearby Thomas Center Gardens. There are various cultural facilities in the city of Gainesville such as the Hippodrome State Theatre, the Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, the Florida Museum of Natural History, the Harn Museum Art, the Gainesville Community Playhouse, the Civic Media Center, the Olustee Battlefield State Historic Site and the Acrosstown Repertory Theatre.
The University of Florida enhances the city numerous opportunities for cultural lifestyles. The School of Music, the School of Art and Art History and the School of Theatre and Dance are all under the umbrella of the Florida College of Fine Arts, along with numerous other programs. The University Galleries and the Center for World Art and Digital Worlds are other establishments on site.