HOW SPRINGS FORM
The reason why Florida has more springs than any other state (and most other countries) is related to the state's geology, weather, and subsurface water flow. Florida is underlain by an extensive series of geologic formations which contain very porous marine limestone near the land surface where Florida's aquifer systems occur. All of Florida's larger springs discharge ground water from this Floridan aquifer system. Less porous limestones are found in other spring areas of the United States. Because limestone formations in Florida are more porous than in many other areas, they can hold and transport more water, making the regional Floridan aquifer system one of the most productive freshwater aquifer systems in the world.
Weather is another factor responsible for Florida's many springs. Florida receives between 30 and 100 inches of rain per year. Rainfall becomes slightly acidic through interactions with gases in the atmosphere and soils, and over millions of years, this slightly acidic rainfall has percolated downward into the subsurface and has slowly dissolved underground limestone. Joints and fractures left behind in the limestone can eventually enlarge into water-filled caverns and tunnels that can form subterranean drainage systems (in the Floridan aquifer). Also, sinkholes can form due to dissolving of the limestone and create an opening and direct connection between the land surface and the Floridan aquifer. Springs occur when subsurface pressures force water up through an opening to land surface. The combination of highly porous limestones that can hold vast quantities of water, combined with relatively high rainfall amounts and subsurface water flow, are responsible for the occurrence of so many springs in Florida.
WHY THEY ARE DYING
Many of our springs are experiencing lower flows than in the past, largely due to the persistent drought that we've been experiencing in the past years. Because of the drought, more water is pumped from the Floridan Aquifer (FA) for domestic, industrial, and agricultural uses. The FA is also the primary source of water for our springs so additional pumping has an impact on spring flow levels. The FA is recharged by rainfall. With reduced rainfall and continued need for water, we impact the level of water in the aquifer and subsequently the spring flows. Conserving water from the FA by using low flow fixtures and Florida Friendly yards, etc., are ways you can help maintain spring flows. You can also contact your local representative and water management district to express your concern about the loss of flow to springs, and to obtain more information about protecting ground water levels and spring flows.
WHITE SULPHER SPRINGS
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.
Bryant & Elizabeth Sheffield bought tracts for a cotton plantation in 1835, and took over the ferry operation the following year. Mr. Sheffield drank the mineral waters and touted their ability to cure nervousness, kidney troubles, and rheumatism, among other problems. They constructed a hotel and spring house from logs. The spring called Upper Mineral Springs was very popular and became Florida's first tourist attraction.
During the American Civil War, some Confederate soldiers found refuge in the town from Union troops. The family of future governor Napoleon Bonaparte Broward, whose Jacksonville farm was burned by Union forces, moved to a nearby farm which they named Rebel’s Refuge. At some point, the springs were renamed White Sulphur Springs. Following the civil war, the tourist business slowly returned. In 1882, the Georgia merchants Wight and Powell purchased the property and platted city lots. They sold parcels to other retailers to open businesses catering to plantations and resorts around the spring. Crowds of health seekers arrived, first by stagecoach and then railroad. White Springs was incorporated in 1885. Hotels and boarding houses popped up; a cotton gin attracted buyers and sellers; and fashionable clothing and hats were offered for sale. Leisure activities included ballroom dancing, lawn tennis, and skating
In 1903, the spring was enclosed by concrete and coquina walls that included multiple water gates and galleries to prevent water intrusion from river flooding. A four-story wooden bathhouse was constructed around the spring. The structure was designed by the Jacksonville architectural firm McClure & Holmes for owner Minnie Mosher Jackson, and included doctors' offices for patient examination and treatment, dressing rooms, space for concessions, and an elevator. At the time, water flow was calculated at 32,400 gallons per minute, or nearly 47 million gallons per day.
During the 1930s, mineral springs fell out of favor and the town began to fade. In 1950, the Stephen Foster Memorial Museum opened to commemorate songwriter Stephen Foster, composer of the world-renowned song of the Suwannee River, “Old Folks at Home.” The museum is surrounded by formal gardens which extend to the banks of the Suwannee River. A carillon containing the world’s largest set of tubular bells, opened in 1957 and plays Foster's songs throughout the day. The facility is a Florid State Park.
PRESENT
Through the 1980s, water flow at the spring declined to the point when it ceased flowing in 1990. The mayor of White Springs, Dr. Helen Miller, is vice chairman of Florida Leaders Organized for Water (FLOW), a group which proposed the Floridan Aquifer Sustainability Act of 2013. The legislation seeks to restore the Floridan aquifer to 1980 levels.
Today, many of the original Victorian buildings survive, particularly within the White Springs Historic District, established in 1997 by the National Register of Historic Places.
The town and state park are the site of the annual Florida Folk Festival, a four-day celebration of traditional Florida food, arts, and music. The event, first held in 1953, is one of the oldest continuous folk festivals in the United States.
LOGGING REQUIREMENTS:
1) From the parking area just before the stairs leading down to the spring house, there is an information sign showing a "menu" of services offered in the early days. What was the price of a Hot Sulphur Tub Bath?
2) From within the spring house, look to the left down the Suwannee River, what man made object do you see?
3) In the early 1900's, what was the calculated water flow of this spring?
4) Why do you think Florida has more springs than any other State?
5) OPTIONAL: Post a photo of you/your group in front of the stairs leading into the spring house.
Feel free to log your find after sending me the email. Please provide your e-mail address when you send the answers so that I can respond. I will try to respond to all emails.