History

The Seminary Act of 1851 provided for two institutions of higher learning in Florida, one east and one west of the Suwannee River.  The East Florida Independent Institute at Ocala became the East Florida Seminary in January 1853.  The onset of the Civil War brought that school to a close in 1861. 

In 1866 East Florida Seminary reopened, this time in Gainesville. Like the Ocala E.F.S., the Gainesville E.F.S. was pretty much a local public school for students of all ages.  As late as 1882-83, over half of the E.F.S. students were from Alachua County.  It was not until 1877 that a minimum age was established--13 for males and 12 for females.  While both seminaries were licensed to grant college degrees, Van Ness and McCarthy believe that "there is little concrete evidence to indicate that the East Florida Seminary ever did so."

In 1881 E.F.S. became a military school, with all males placed under discipline.  Van Ness and McCarthy note that the catalog had more pages devoted to cadet regulations than to the curriculum.  The 1889 catalog asserts that military training was not a "mere adjunct" but the "predominant feature" of school life.  It led to "erect and manly forms, in graceful carriage. . . and most decidedly in the improved scholarship."

School photos show around 150-200 students.  These students were involved in enough extracurricular activities to attract community support.  Cadets held a dress parade each Friday.  An E.F.S. commencement program shows the presence of debate performances, of musical programs, and of calisthenics exhibitions.  The one student organization noted in newspapers was the Eleve Association composed of former cadets.  This society sponsored an annual banquet and ball.

The Buckman reorganization of state schools closed E.F.S. in May of 1905.  A new state college for white males--the University of Florida-- was placed in Gainesville--largely because of community support for E.F.S.