Suwannee History: The establishment of Suwannee County – Part 1

Eric Musgrove Contributor After the conclusion of the Second Seminole War in 1842, the area that is now Suwannee County, then part of Columbia County, experienced a great deal of growth. Without the threat of constant Indian attacks, settlers could now move into the virgin forests near the Suwannee River and establish their homes. The introduction of railroads and steamboats, including some upon or near the Suwannee River, made it easier to ship goods to and from the interior. Due to the increasing number of residents, discussion arose in the Florida Legislature of annexing the western portion of Columbia County to form a new county. One of the reasons was the long distance that some sett