Phos-Fate Traditional Cache

 *** Stealth required at times! *** 

Florida, as we know it today, emerged from the sea floor over 40 million years ago as the ocean levels fell.  Much of the local sea life perished and became fossilized.  "Phosphate" is a predominant bi-product of these accumulated animal bone deposits.  In the late 1800's, the vast deposits in Florida's Peace River Basin became a leading source of this commercially important chemical. Phosphate, a natural fertilizer, is used in cleaning detergents, water based paints and coatings, metal polishes, flame retardants, processed foods, personal care products, pharmaceutical and more!  The naturally deep water found in the Boca Grande Pass made it possible to transport huge amounts of phosphate worldwide in much larger ships.  So in 1905 construction began on a 95 mile railroad branch from the mines in Polk County direct to the shipping terminals at the southern end of Gasparilla Island.

In addition to hauling payloads the railroad opened the Island to passengers who came to visit the grand hotel, the Gasparilla Inn, and to fish.  In just six years the town of Boca Grande was constructed and became one of the first planned communities in southwest Florida.  Through 1911, churches, additional hotels and golf courses were built as well as the new brick train depot which replaced the original wooden structure.  This is the station right beside the cache.  It was enlarged in 1913 to handle the growing traffic and still handles the large crowds today (but now for Ice Cream)!

The export of phosphate continued well into the 1970's until it became more efficient to ship from larger cities like Tampa.  From 1979 onward the Island reinvented itself and much of the railroad infrastructure was re-purposed.  The depot was restored and now houses a couple shops and a restaurant.  The rail lines were removed and replaced with the "Bike Path" used today.

Enjoy your time here on Boca Grande ... it's a beautiful place!