Dixie County is probably the most remote, sparsely populated county in Florida.
Cross City, with a population of less than 2,000 people, is the largest town in
the county. Historically, Cross City has always been a logging community -
cutting, processing, and shipping cypress and yellow pine. Lumber companies and
sawmills were a mainstay of activity, and still are today. Its location amidst
large tracts of forest land, along with a bustling US19/US98 highway that
bisects the town, continue to support the industry.
The area was first settled in the late
1890's and went by the name "Crossroads" because it was the place where two
important trade route roads crossed. In 1912, Dixie County was created from
Lafayette County, and Crossroads was renamed to "Cross City" and became the
county seat.
In the early 1920's, Putnam Lumber Company established a town called "Shamrock"
just outside of Cross City. The company erected a massive saw mill, and
developed a community around the mill to house workers. In adition to houses,
there was an ice house and a full-service company store where workers could buy
anything they needed. The lumber business in Shamrock also spurred development
in Cross City.
In 1927, Putnam constructed the Putnam Lodge in order to accommodate company
executives and clients, as well as tourists and people passing by on the
highway. It is said that the famous gangster Al Capone maintained a room at the
lodge during the late 1920's. Today, the lodge has been completely restored, and
is open to the public as a high-end hotel and spa.
Cross City is also home to one of the oldest airports in Florida, established in
1940. In 1942, the airport was requisitioned by the United States Air Force as
an army airfield during World War II. After the war, the airport returned to
civilian control, and is called the Cross City Airport.
Activities & Facilities
Hotel or B&B
Restaurant
Playground
Dogs allowed
Short hiking trails
Paved bike trails