Silver Springs, Florida
Silver Springs | |
---|---|
Unincorporated community | |
Silver Springs Park | |
Location of Silver Springs, Florida | |
Coordinates: 29°12′59″N 82°3′28″W / 29.21639°N 82.05778°WCoordinates: 29°12′59″N 82°3′28″W / 29.21639°N 82.05778°W | |
Country | United States |
State | Florida |
County | Marion County |
Time zone | Eastern (EST) (UTC-5) |
• Summer (DST) | EDT (UTC-4) |
ZIP code | 34488-34489 |
Silver Springs is a U.S. unincorporated community and the site of aquatic springs in Marion County, Florida. The springs are one of the largest artesian spring formations in the world, producing nearly 550 million gallons of crystal-clear water daily. Silver Springs forms the headwaters of the Silver River, the largest tributary on the Ocklawaha River, a part of the St. Johns River system. The springs were designated a National Natural Landmark in 1971.[1]
One of Florida's first tourist attractions, the springs drew visitors even before the U.S. Civil War. Glass bottom boats have been a popular way to see the 242-acre (98 ha) complex. A small amusement park with various animals, a concert stage, carousel and exhibits also developed. The glass-bottom boats are still running 365 days per year as of November 2015 with details of kayak rentals and onsite restaurants and a market visible on www.silversprings.com .
Silver Springs is located just to the east of the city of Ocala. It is part of the Ocala Metropolitan Statistical Area.
History
Silver Springs was founded in 1852.[2]
Since the mid-19th century, the natural beauty of Silver Springs has attracted visitors from around the country. Glass bottom boat tours of the springs began in the late 1870s. In the 1920s, W. Carl Ray and W.M. "Shorty" Davidson (Ray and Davidson leased the land from Mr. Ed Carmichael. Upon whose death the Springs were left to the University of Florida) made the land around the headwaters of the Spring into something resembling the attraction that is there today, now known as the Silver Springs Nature Theme Park. The attraction features native animal exhibits and 30 or 90 minute glass bottom boat tours of the springs. Downstream from the attraction is the Silver River State Park.
Also located in Silver Springs is a water park, Wild Waters (opened in 1978). The T. W. Randall House, on the National Register of Historic Places, is located to the northeast. Several defunct tourist attractions were once located in Silver Springs, including the Western-themed Six Gun Territory with its own 3 ft (914 mm) narrow gauge[3] railroad named "Southern Railway & Six Gun" (closed 1984), Carriage Cavalcade, Early American Museum, Paradise Park, and the Prince of Peace Memorial (closed in the mid-1970s).
Fishing is not allowed on the Silver River[4]
Cattle ranch development
Canadian billionaire Frank Stronach has been building the Adena Springs Ranch for cattle, an abattoir, residential property development, and a thoroughbred horse farm in the area, stirring concern over plans for water use and how groundwater draw will affect the springs.[5][6]
Notable residents
- Ross Allen - herpetologist
- Ted Potter, Jr. - Professional golfer
- Ed Charmichael - Owner
- Chief Billy Homespun - Chief of Seminole tribe at Silver Springs
- Bruce Mozert, photographer
Transportation
The main road through Silver Springs is State Road 40 which runs east and west from Rainbow Lakes Estates to Ormond Beach in Volusia County. State Road 326 terminates at SR 40, as does State Road 35, which becomes County Road 35 north of SR 40 before terminating at SR 326. County Roads 314 and 314A are also important north-south county roads that run west and into the Ocala National Forest.
Gallery
- Silver River State Park
- T. W. Randall House
Six Gun Territory, closed 1984
- Crown Metal Products built steam locomotive which originally operated at Six Gun Territory, currently on display at Underground Atlanta in Atlanta, Georgia.
References
- ↑ "Silver Springs". nps.gov. National Park Service.
- ↑ "Marion County". Jim Forte Postal History. Retrieved 30 May 2015.
- ↑ Surviving Steam Locomotive Search
- ↑ http://www.dep.state.fl.us/coastal/sites/oklawaha/info.htm
- ↑ Joe Callahan Billionaire makes big donation to Fort McCoy School September 28, 2011 Ocala.com
- ↑ Nathan Crabbe Water-issue protesters greet UF's Stronach center dedication May 15, 2012 Gainesville Sun
External links
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Silver Springs, Florida. |
- Ocala/Marion Visitors' & Convention Bureau
- Official site on Florida springs
- Silver Springs Nature Theme Park
- Through the Looking Glass of Silver Springs
- Ocklawaha River Watershed and Silver Springs Protection - Florida DEP