The Curious Little Town of White Springs

The Suwannee River at White Springs, facing north.

White Springs, Florida, sits just across the county line in Hamilton County near that county's intersection with both Columbia and Suwannee counties. This location in the far south-western part of Hamilton County positions White Springs right on the Suwannee River at the point where the springs from which the town took its name is located—one of many springs that feeds this great river as it drifts down from its headwaters in Georgia north-east of Fargo and flows through much of western penninsular Florida to the town of Suwannee on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. In many ways, White Springs is the gateway from Georgia into the natural world of Florida—the first place coming into this part of our state where you encounter the Suwannee and also our state parks.

 The Sophie Jane Adams House.


At one time in the late 1800s and early 1900s, due to the supposed healing powers of its springs, White Springs became a leading center of early Florida tourism and several hotels were built here, the grandest of these being the Telford Hotel which still stands and is once again back in business as an inn and restaurant. When the Telford was built of red brick White Springs was a wealthy community due to its tourism and other enterprises; the hotel boasted acetylene gas lamps and regal parlors while just down the street stood the Sophie Jane Adams house, an impressive work of Victorian architecture in the carpenter gothic style. From the side yard of the Adams house, you can reach the banks of the Suwannee River itself, as you also can from the springhouse that protected the famed springs just a ways to the north. Currently, the springhouse—now a park property—is undergoing renovations, but should reopen fairly soon. The State Parks Service has a large welcome/information center located near the springhouse to provide information not only on White Springs and the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park and Big Shoals State Park—both of which are close to White Springs—but also the entire system of state parks.

Old Adams Counrty Store building.

So what's so "curious" about White Springs? For one, despite the two state parks and its setting on the lush banks of the Suwannee, the town doesn't seem to draw in as much of a tourist trade as you might expect. At times even, the whole place looks nearly deserted. Unlike a town like Micanopy, in example, the economic impact of tourism is not that apparent in White Springs, though I feel it should be for the success of the town. Last time I was there, I was encouraged to see the old Adams General Store being renovated and I hope that will portend good things for growth in White Springs. This town has some really lovely old buildings and the basis for a strong ecotourism economy, it just seems as though it's slow getting off the ground despite what appear to be valid, sincere, and smart efforts. I plan to write more about White Springs and hope to see it continue to develop into a place where its ample charms are appreciated.

Also, with its bounty of turn-of-the-century architecture, the moody river and its sandy banks, and even a graveyard near the river, White Springs seems like a very enchanting place to visit around Halloween!