Hamilton County, named in honor of Alexander Hamilton, our first U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, was created in 1827 from the westernmost portion of Duval County. The county seat of Jasper is centrally located within the county. Hamilton County, known as the "Central Gateway of Florida", is outlined by the Suwannee River to the east and the south, the Withlacoochee River to the west, with the Alapaha River running North and South through the county itself. Paddling down any one of these rivers provides an experience with nature that will not soon be forgotten!

The Stephen Foster State Folk Culture Center, located in White Springs, is situated among the hundred year oaks and lumbering pines of the Suwannee River. The center brings back to life the culture and heritage of 'Old Florida' through its exhibits, performing arts, folk arts and crafts. Stephen Foster, the American composer who wrote "Old Folks at Home", the song that brought fame to the Suwannee River, is honored at the center through the parks 97-bell carillon that emanates Fosters most famous songs throughout the park daily. Walking into Craft Square at the center is like taking a step back into time, with demonstrations of blacksmithing, stain glass making and quilting; you'll feel like your taking a stroll with your ancestors. Also provided at the Stephen Foster State Folk Culture Center are miles of trails making hiking, bicycling, paddling and bird watching as easy as a stroll in the park! A full-facility campground, complete with cabins for visitors that want to stay awhile! Annually, on Memorial Day weekend, the Florida Folk Festival comes to the center, providing music, crafts, food and over 300 performances! This three day festival promises to be a weekend full of history, heritage and good old fashion family fun!

Rich in history, Hamilton County provides over 150 sites that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places as well as over 50 county cemeteries, making the county a popular place, for not only the casual history buffs, but the more serious researchers as well.

Relocating to Hamilton County offers a paradise for those that are seeking a peaceful, relaxed, rural area rich in natural beauty and history! In the words of the folks of Hamilton County, "Come for a visit, stay for a lifetime!"