Suwannee History: Suwannee Springs

Eric Musgrove Contributor The image accompanying this article is a contemporary artist’s rendering of the first large post-Civil War hotel at Suwannee Springs shortly after its completion in late 1882 or 1883. The grand building was not the first structure at Suwannee Springs, as Native Americans and those of European descent had frequented the area since well before Florida became a state. Some were drawn to the area’s natural beauty, but many came for the supposed healing powers of the mineral springs. The first known American to establish himself at Suwannee Springs was Francis J. Ross, formerly of Jacksonville. In 1831, he purchased the springs and surrounding property from the U