Lake County

The Ocala National Forest and St. Johns River in the north of this county have been found to contain numerous ancient shell middens. The many large freshwater springs in the area made excellent sites for villages of ancient Floridians. Two of these sites are the Bowers Bluff Middens and the Kimball Island Midden.

"Seminole Springs, near Eustis, Fla." From a postcard that is postmarked 1907. A beautiful place, but on private property. When I was a teenager working the summers at a nearby boy scout camp, a few of us were caught swimming in the spring and escorted off the property. Then about 1993, the owners of the property were killed by one of their laborers, and their son doesn't take as kindly to trespassers.

Fort Butler was established during the Second Seminole War at the St. Johns River crossing at Volusia.

Fort Mason was a supply post near Lake Eustis. The fort was abandoned and then rebuilt in a different location like many of the forts during that time.

PLACES TO VISIT:

Alexander Springs:

This is a beautiful park in the southern Ocala National Forest. The first magnitude spring is very impressive and well worth a swim.

At the picnic area by the spring is a small mound, which is the remains of a Timucuan village. It is nothing spectacular, and if you don't know anything about mounds, then you probably won't even notice it.

There is a nature trail called the "Timucuan Trail" that starts at the picnic area and winds its way around behind the spring and back into the woods. There are interpretive signs telling about the ancient Floridians in the area.


The "Timucuan Trail" from the spring head.

Lake County Historical Museum, Tavares:

I haven't been to this one yet, so if anyone has a report, let me know.
Like most small county historical museums, this is in the old county courthouse.  Exhibits said to include artifacts from Seminole villages that were in the area.

Read about the Last Battle of the 2nd Seminole War in Lake County.

Return to the Chapter VI contents page.

Return to the main page.

© 1998, 2000, 2002, 2007 Chris Kimball
Note: None of this material can be reproduced without written permission from the author.