In Columbia County, there is a small town that is loaded with history that many people aren’t familiar with. Fort White, Florida, named after a military fort built in the early 1800s, still exists today, and with less than 1,000 residents, it remains much of a hidden gem. But with the history behind this town and the close proximity to a major natural attraction, come see for yourself why this tiny old Florida town is worth visiting.

Fort White, Florida was constructed back in 1836 during the Second Seminole War as a military fort.

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The purpose of the fort was to protect the Cow Creek Settlement, and with such close proximity to the Santa Fe River, supplies were brought in and distributed to other forts in the area.

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In the late 1800s, the town was in its prime due to the railroad boom, bringing tons of jobs to the area, and housing around 2,000 residents.

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Yet, hard times hit, from the freezes ruining citrus crops to the depletion of mined minerals, and even the cotton industry going bust from the boll weevil.

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Eventually, the population dropped to well under 1,000 residents, which is where it still remains to this day.

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One of the primary reasons for visiting this historic town for most involves taking a trip to Ichnetucknee River and springs.

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The beautiful crystal clear water and the surrounding nature make this a well-preserved old Florida attraction.

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Come see for yourself the small, historical town that time never forgets when you visit Fort White, Florida.

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Have you ever been to Fort White, Florida before? Share with us your experience in the comments section! Or if you have another town that you want to share with your fellow Floridians, make sure to add it, too!

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Flickr Dennis Church

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Address: Fort White, FL 32038, USA