History of White Springs

A town is born

White Springs is a town located in Hamilton County, Florida, on the Suwannee River. First incorporated as Jackson Springs in 1831 by businessmen William B. Hooker, James T. Hooker, James D. Prevatt, Joseph Bryant and John Lee who saw the spring and a good site for a ferry.

The “Spring”

Many believed the “spring” water possessed healing powers. Before colonization, Native Americans considered the spring a sacred healing ground, and used it even in times of war; any tribe member could bathe and drink the mineral waters without fear of being attacked.

By 1832 the healing powers of the waters surrounded with rocks encrusted with crystals of sulfur was being celebrated as far away as Philadelphia. The spring, was believed to cure nervousness, kidney troubles, and rheumatism,, among other problems.

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 to include doctors' offices for patient examination and treatment, dressing rooms, space for concessions, and an elevator. However, by 1930’s, the popularity of mineral springs as health resorts faded.

Post-Civil War

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. White Springs was incorporated in 1885.

Stephen Foster

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 Florida State Park.

Present day

Mossy oaks and the Suwannee River make White Springs especially popular with paddlers, hikers, bikers, birder watchers, and anglers. Big Shoals State Park in White Springs boasts Florida's largest whitewater rapids.

The Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park hosts the Florida Folk Festival; an annual festival of music, food, and traditional arts to highlight and celebrate Florida's many folk cultures and traditions.  The event, first held in 1953, is one of the oldest continuous folk festivals in the United States.

The Hamilton County School District operates the public schools serving White Springs, with both Hamilton County Elementary School and Hamilton County High School located in unincorporated areas of the county.

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 740 people, 382 households, and 218 families residing in the town.