Just after the Civil War tourists discover the dazzling artesian springs south of Gainesville. By the late 1800s, Silver Springs becomes the first commercial tourist attraction in Florida, and with national media promotion, it becomes a mandatory stop of the wealthy on their "grand tour" of Florida.
In the late 1860s tourists visit Silver Springs via steamboats on the Silver River on the Heart and Lucas lines. The two most prominant boats on the river were the Okehumkee or "the Queen of the Ocklawaha River" and its sucessor the Hiawatha. By the 1920's railways became the prefered mode of transportation and a new way to see the river was perfected.
Now under new management in 1924, Col. W.M Davidson and Carl Ray soon perfected what would be a new exciting way to enjoy the river and solidify Silver Springs place as Florida's premire attraction: The Glass Bottom boat tour.
Intrigued tourists arrive in mass and the park becomes a moneymaker. Guests enjoy boating down the Silver River on the Jungle Cruise while the captain feeds monkeys brought in from Southeast Asia. Glass bottom boats stop at the “Shrine of the Water Gods” and guests visit the “Prince of Peace” memorial featuring dioramas throughout seven small chapels. Also on the attractions list are the Deer Ranch and Santa’s Land!
In the 1950s-1960s underwater publicity scenes of everyday life are used to promote the spring’s crystal water. Iconic photos by Bruce Mozert feature such scenes as friends enjoying coffee, a woman “sunbathing” and a man “mowing” his “yard”. As his wife “trims the hedges.”
The Silver Screen Comes to Silver Springs
Hollywood discovers Silver Springs in the 1930s. The crystal waters are ideal for underwater scenes and the lush jungle tropical landscape is the perfect setting, for six Tarzan films and three James Bond movies. Below is a sampling of movies filmed at the springs:
Tarzan the Ape Man (1932) featuring: Johnny Weissmuller & Maureen O’Sullivan
Tarzan Finds a Son (1939) featuring: Johnny Weissmuller & Maureen O’Sullivan
Distant Drums (1951) featuring Gary Cooper
Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954) featuring Richard Carlson & Julie Adams
Jupiter’s Darling (1954) featuring Esther Williams, Howard Keel
Revenge of the Creature (1955) featuring John Agar & Lori Nelson
Thunderball (1965) featuring Sean Connery
Moonraker (1979) featuring Roger Moore
Never Say Never Again (1983) featuring Sean Connery
Legend (1985) featuring Tom Cruise
Gary Cooper’s 1951 Distant Drums movie poster describes “The rescue—the throbbing jungle-drums—the man-devouring marsh-wilderness aflame with unseen menace”!
The popular television show Sea Hunt (1957-1961) often filmed episodes at the springs. Shown here is Lloyd Bridges star of the series and father to actors Beau and Jeff Bridges.
1960s
Unfortunately, as the attraction grows in popularity, so does the myriad of sideshows and concessions. Petting zoos and amusement park rides devalue the natural wonder. As development increases nearby, runoff carries chemicals into the aquifer and pollutants endanger the springs. Attendance wanes and new attractions cannot compete with nearby Disney World.
The Rehabilitation
The springs needed saving. Beginning in 1993, the first thorough scientific studies of the springs are conducted, and rehabilitation of the abundant wildlife is begun. Today the Florida Park Service manages, restores, and preserves the 4,000-acre Silver Springs State Park encompassing not only Silver Springs and the surrounding sandhill forest, but the entire 5-mile Silver River.
Today Silver Springs offers canoeing, kayaking, water boarding and tours on the iconic, but updated, glass bottom boats. The park is open 7 days a week and hours are 8 AM to Sunset.
Comment below what your expirience has been at silver springs!
The Winter Park History Museum is supported by:
Charles Hosmer Morse Foundation
Elizabeth Morse Genius Foundation
Joe & Sarah Galloway Foundation
Florida Department of State
Membership dues and private donations