Across the street and up the hill to the west, behind the new Greater Liberty Hill United Methodist Church building, is a red, weathered building. This is the oldest schoolhouse standing in Alachua County, the Greater Liberty Hill School, established in 1869, with the existing building from 1892. It, with the church, were part of the greater Rutledge Community, founded for free and freed African-Americans after the Civil War. This community covered an area north to about what is now N.W. 39th Ave., east to just beyond N.W. 43th St., and south to almost Archer Rd., and included at least 5 churches and 3 cemeteries. Although none of the church buildings still standing (4) are original, they have been continuously active since the mid-1860s. Some remnants of this scattered community can still be seen in 2 small areas near N.W. 55th St., and in the Sugarfoot Community south of Newberry Rd.
PLEASE be careful to replace the container correctly and with adequate "camo" so that others may also enjoy it.