CROSS CITY, FLORIDA

By  Mike Miller April 17, 2025

Cross City, Florida is a small town located in Dixie County. It is located on US-19 and US-98 about 52 miles west of Gainesville. Its population is about 1,677. 

Putnam Lodge, Shamrock (Cross City)
Wikipedia, by Ebyabe

The history of Cross City closely tracks the history of Dixie County, of which Cross City is the seat of government.

Dixie County, Florida, was established on April 25, 1921, as the state’s 59th county. It was created from the southern portion of Lafayette County and named after "Dixie," a common nickname for the southern United States.

Vintage Postcard Dixie County Courthouse

Located in the Big Bend region along Florida’s Gulf Coast, the county spans 864 square miles, with 705 square miles of land and 159 square miles of water. 

The area’s history traces back to early interactions between Native Americans and European settlers. According to local legend, George Miller, a North Carolinian, was the first white man to enter the region in 1820, befriending Seminole leaders.

The county saw conflict during the Seminole Wars, notably the Battle of Old Town, where General Andrew Jackson defeated Seminole forces led by Chief Billy Bowlegs.

Post-Civil War, settlers like the Wards, Butlers, and Hines established communities along the Suwannee River, which served as a key trade route with steamboats like the City of Hawkinsville.

Vintage Postcard, Dixie County High School

Dixie County was formed exclusively from Lafayette County, which itself originated from Madison County in 1856. The region’s early economy relied on timber, fishing, and trade, with the Suwannee River facilitating commerce until railroads diminished its role.

Today, Dixie County remains sparsely populated, with a 2020 census count of 16,759, and is known for its natural beauty, including the Suwannee and Steinhatchee Rivers and the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge.

Cross City has a long history of being a center of commerce and agriculture in the region. It takes its name from the intersection of two major area roads.

Putnam Lodge
Photographic Destinations by Bob Kyle

The largest business in town was the Putnam Lumber Company in the company town of Shamrock on the north side of Cross City.

The company built Putnam Lodge in 1927 and it served as a community center and gathering place for the town's residents.

Its 36 rooms accomodated tourists, customers, and company executives.

The lodge was named after E. B. Putnam, an associate of William O'Brien who founded the lumber company. 

Putnam Lodge
Photographic Destinations by Bob Kyle

Putnam Lodge was an important center of social and cultural life in Cross City and was used for a variety of events, including dances, weddings, and political rallies.

Over the years, the lodge underwent several renovations and additions, but it still retains its original design and much of its historic character.

Today, Putnam Lodge continues to serve as a popular event venue, hosting a variety of community events, including weddings, parties, and local festivals.

Putnam Lodge
Photographic Destinations by Bob Kyle

It has 25 guest rooms including king, queen, suites and a bridal suite.  The lodge can handle parties of up to 250 people and has a full service bar and restaurant.

Putnam Lodge Historical Marker
Photographic Destinations by Bob Kyle

In the early 20th century, Cross City grew as a center for turpentine production and lumber milling, and later as a hub for agriculture, including citrus and dairy farming.

SCL Depot, Cross City
Florida Memory

The town has since shifted towards a more service-based economy, with healthcare, education, and retail being the main industries.

Cross City is also the county seat of Dixie County and is home to several county offices.

Correctional Institution Sign
Photographic Destinations by Bob Kyle

The largest employer in the area is the Cross City Correctional Institution, operated by the State of Florida Department of Corrections.

Nature Coast Trail
Photographic Destinations by Bob Kyle

NATURE COAST STATE TRAIL

The abandoned railroads that once served this area have been converted into the Nature Coast State Trail, a 32-mile long paved route in Florida’s Suwannee River Valley.

The trail offers a scenic journey through the state’s rural heartland. Built on abandoned Atlantic Coastline Railroad tracks, this National Recreation Trail weaves through Dixie, Gilchrist, and Levy counties.

Towns along the trail include Cross City, Trenton, Fanning Springs, Old Town, and Chiefland.

Dixie County Courthouse

Cyclists, hikers, and equestrians can explore its two primary alignments, intersecting at Wilcox Junction, with plans to extend nine miles east to Newberry.

A highlight is the historic 1902 Suwannee River Railroad Trestle Bridge near Old Town, offering panoramic river views above the sunken City of Hawkinsville shipwreck, a Florida Underwater Archaeological Preserve.

Suwannee River Bridge, Nature Coast Trail

The trail’s flat, well-maintained path winds through lush farmland, oak and pine canopies, and past Fanning Springs and Manatee Springs State Parks, ideal for nature lovers.

Shaded sections, like Fanning Springs to Chiefland, provide relief from the sun, while restrooms and trailheads in Cross City, Trenton, and Chiefland ensure convenience. 

Cross City Carriage Inn Postcard

This vintage postcard is of the Carriage Inn.  It has recently been renovated and is a great place to stay as is the Putnam Lodge.

Visit local parks: The town has several parks, including Cross City Park, which offers picnic areas, a playground, and a walking trail.

Explore natural attractions: Cross City is located near several natural attractions, including the Fanning Springs State Park, the Dixie County Wildlife Management Area, and the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge.

Visit the historic Putnam Lodge: As previously mentioned, the Putnam Lodge is a historic building in Cross City that offers a glimpse into the town's past.

Go fishing: Cross City is located near several lakes, rivers, and springs, making it a great place to fish for bass, catfish, and other species.

Visit the local museums: The town has several museums that showcase its history and cultural heritage, including the Dixie County Historical Society Museum and the Cross City Railroad Museum.

Enjoy local events: Cross City hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including festivals, parades, and fairs.