The town of High Springs was founded in the early 1890s and is surrounded by three springs that contain the clearest blue-green water. High Springs Museum at 23760 NW 187th Avenue in High Springs.
Our docent gave us a tour describing in detail the diorama created to depict life built around the railroad. From the late 1800s until the 1940s, Atlantic Coastline Railroad was a central part of life in High Springs. An ice plant and oil depot businesses built around the railroad are no longer in operation. The peanut mill owned by Golden Peanut Company is still operating. The Alabama Hotel catered to travelers and people who worked on the railroad. The hotel burned down twice, and the owners decided not to rebuild.
During Prohibition, Skeet Esterlin the first woman mayor of High Springs arrested for making Moonshine Whiskey. After serving a jail term, she went back to making Moonshine Whiskey.
Railroad history in High Springs shown in pictures. Boardinghouses were built to house railroad workers. A photograph of Alfred Davis, Jr. first African American train conductor. Residents donated all photographs.
A cave wall shows what an underwater cave looks like. A cave map illustrates the three caves in detail.
Hang your raincoat on a replica of a spike built by the local blacksmith. Train whistles, a model train, books on local history and other souvenirs all found in the gift shop. A great museum to visit for railroad aficionados. Free entrance to the museum, donations accepted. Hours of operation on the website.
On The Road in Florida With Idelle! 