city, seat (1832) of Columbia county, northern Florida, U.S., near Osceola National Forest, about 60 miles (100 km) west of Jacksonville. Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto (Soto, Hernando de) passed through the area in 1539. The city occupies the site of a Seminole village ruled by a chief called Halpatter Tustennuggee (“Alligator Warrior”). The Seminoles left under the terms of an 1824 treaty, and settlers moved in. An important settlement in early Florida, it was called Alligator until 1859, when it was incorporated and renamed Lake City for the many lakes that surround it. The only significant battle of the American Civil War fought in Florida took place on February 20, 1864, at Olustee, about 15 miles (25 km) east, and resulted in a Confederate victory. The battlefield is now a state historic site, and the battle is reenacted there annually in February.

The city developed as a centre for mixed farming. Other economic factors include tourism, phosphate mining, forest products, manufacturing (including mobile homes), and aircraft repair facilities. The city is home to Lake City Community College (1947). Pop. (1990) 10,005; (2000) 9,980.