Located at the intersection of Highway 59 and 158 the town of Lloyd is tiny but full of interesting, historic buildings. There aren't any sidewalks but also no traffic to speak of so walking is pretty easy.
Most of the homes in Lloyd were built between 1855 and 1920. The town was named after Walter Lloyd a blacksmith from New York. In 1857 Walter Lloyd opened a store and took advantage of the railroad boom.
(I'm sharing just a few of my favorite photos.)
The Railroad Depot
Built in 1858 the depot is the oldest surviving brick station in Florida. The golden era of the railroad in Lloyd lasted until the 1930's. In 1968 the Seaboard Coastline gave the station to the Jefferson County Historical Association. It was later turned over to the Gulfwind Chapter of the National Railroad Historical Society. The depot currently houses the post office.
Laffette Store
ca. 1912
Currently being renovated.
And a charming house in need of renovation.
Love the tin roof and porch complete with a swing.
A tiny replica of the Bethel A.M.E, Church
The original Bethel A.M.E. Church was built in 1870 and closed in 2011 after 141 years of service. The church merged with another A.M.E. church in Jefferson County and the original building was demolished. The property owner built this replica to keep the history alive.
Beautiful, old oak trees are in abundance in this area.
If you're traveling on Interstate 10 near Tallahassee take a short detour and get off on exit 217, Fl 59 S. Travel less than 1 mile and you'll see the sign for Lloyd. Lloyd is a Florida Heritage Historic District.
Just a short ways off the highway and you can take a walk through history!
Walter Lloyd is my 4x great uncle and I am thrilled to discover this town history! I am descended from his brother, Bateman Lloyd. Also my father (this is his side of the family) is a blacksmith! I will need to visit Lloyd, Florida someday soon.
ReplyDeleteWalter Lloyd is my 3x Grandfather. I am a descendant of Thomas Lloyd, Walter Lloyd son.
DeleteAppreciate this information very much! Can you tell me your source for Walter Lloyd's having been a blacksmith in New York?
ReplyDeleteThe info was on signs posted in front of the Lloyd house. There's a brochure that was put out by Jefferson County titled "Historic Jefferson County Where History Welcomes Tomorrow" It has info on the town of Lloyd and Monticello Fl. The brochure has additional info on the Lloyd family home. www.visitJeffersonCountyFL.com
DeleteThank you so much! This is very helpful to some research I am doing on the Lloyd family.
DeleteI would like to know more about the Lloyd family
DeleteLloyd, Florida used to be called Bailey Mills. My husband's 4th great grandfather James Van Horn, had a plantation there, and was murdered in 1840. We wish we knew his final resting place.
ReplyDeleteTO GAYLE - I FOUND THE JAMES VAN HORN YOU ARE LOOKING FOR CHECK OUT FINDAGRAVE.COM BUT THE SPELLING IS REALLY JAMES VANHORN - IT MENTIONS HIS DEATH BY A GUNSHOT WHILE DEFENDING HIS PROPERTY ! IT ALSO SAYS HE LIVED IN BAILEY MILLS FLORIDA BUT WAS BORN IN NEW YORK IN 1793. HOPE THIS HELPS YOU.
ReplyDeleteJANET
FYI - Bailey Mills was the original name of Lloyd, FL.
DeleteBoth sides of my grandparents came thru Jefferson County. Folsom and McCall.
ReplyDelete