White Springs

White Springs: Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park

White Springs, town, Hamilton county, northern Florida, U.S. It lies on the north bank of the Suwannee River at the site of some mineral springs, about 65 miles (105 km) west of Jacksonville. The Timucua peoples considered the springs sacred, and warring tribes went there to enjoy the waters and put aside their differences. Later the Seminoles used the springs for a similar purpose. Settlement began in 1835, and the town grew as a health resort. Cotton and timber were also important to the town’s growth. During the American Civil War the area was known as Rebels’ Refuge because many coastal residents moved there, away from Union invasions. After the war the town continued to grow until 1911, when a fire destroyed much of it.

Phosphate mining is a local industry. Timber remains important, and area agriculture includes corn (maize), tobacco, soybeans, peanuts (groundnuts), and vegetables. The Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park is a 247-acre (100-hectare) park with a museum displaying dioramas, musical instruments, and Foster memorabilia; atop a 200-foot (60-metre) tower is a 97-bell carillon, on which the composer’s works are performed daily. The National Stephen Foster Day Celebration (January) and the Florida Folk Festival (May) are annual events. The town’s historic district contains many buildings from the turn of the 20th century. Osceola National Forest is a few miles east. Inc. 1885. Pop. (2000) 819; (2010) 777.