White Springs, Florida

For the protected area in Florida known as White Springs see Gar Pond

White Springs is a town in Hamilton County, Florida, on the Suwannee River. The population was 819 at the 2000 census. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2004 estimates, the town had a population of 828. Home of the annual Florida Folk Festival, it is a tourist destination noted for historic charm, antique shops, and river recreation.

History

The Suwannee River was once the boundary between the Timucuan tribe to the east and Apalachee tribe to the west. When Spanish explorers visited the area in the 1530s, it was inhabited by the former, who believed its springs possessed healing powers. The Indians considered the springs as a sacred healing ground. Any tribe member could bathe and drink the mineral waters without fear of being attacked. The spring water flows through rocks embedded with sulfur crystals and acquires the "rotten egg" smell. The settlement was incorporated in 1831 as Jackson Springs by businessmen Joseph Bryant, James T. Hooker, his brother William B. Hooker, John Lee, and James D. Prevatt. In addition to the spring, they planned to build a ferry across the Suwannee River.

Gar Pond

Gar Pond, Little Shoals and White Springs (also known as Bridge to Bridge) are protected lands in Florida managed by the Suwannee River Water Management District. They are 877 acres, 400 acres, and 277 acres respectively. The Gar Pond tract offers bicycling, hiking, and fishing opportunities. White Springs has a bicycle trail. Little Shoals and Gar Pond are in Columbia County, Florida.

See also

References