Starke's Call Street keeps Bradford history near U.S. 301

Starke can look like a pass-through place if you only see it from U.S. 301. Call Street gives it more shape.

The Florida Railroad reached Starke in the late 1850s, and Call Street and the rail line became the crossroads around which downtown grew. U.S. 301 still runs through the daily map, but a short walk from the highway gives the town more shape.

The 12-acre National Register district covers all or parts of ten blocks bounded by Jefferson, Cherry, Madison, and Temple streets. The former Bradford County Courthouse is a contributing building. The separately listed Woman’s Club at 201 N. Walnut Street sits just north of the district, so do not assume it is part of the district or open for drop-in visits.

If you are passing through, check current parking and what is open, then give Call Street and the courthouse blocks a few minutes on foot. Starke reads differently once U.S. 301 is no longer the whole view.