Welcome to De Leon Springs, Florida, where history and nature intertwine to offer a glimpse into the past. Here, you’ll find Old Methuselah, a majestic 600-year-old cypress tree, standing as a silent witness to centuries of change. The story of De Leon Springs begins over 6,000 years ago when the Mayaca people first inhabited the area. These early inhabitants thrived as fisher-hunter-gatherers, leaving behind a legacy that echoes through time.
As you explore this historic site, consider the waves of change that swept through it. In the late 1500s, Spanish missions were established in the area, marking the beginning of European influence. By the late 18th century, Spain regained control of Florida, and the land around the springs was granted to William Williams in 1804. Williams established Spring Garden, the first plantation here, which relied on the labor of enslaved Africans to cultivate corn, cotton, and sugar cane.
The plantation’s fortunes were tumultuous. It was destroyed in 1835 during the Second Seminole War and again in 1864 by Union troops during the Civil War. Despite these setbacks, the area continued to evolve. In the 1880s, the arrival of the railroad transformed it into a tourist destination. The local residents renamed it Ponce de Leon Springs, and the springs were marketed as the legendary Fountain of Youth.
Visitors flocked to the area, drawn by the promise of rejuvenating waters. A hotel and casino were built in 1925 to accommodate the influx of tourists. The attractions continued to grow, with the 1953 opening of Ponce de Leon Springs, featuring exotic birds, jungle cruises, and even waterskiing elephants. However, as travel evolved, the park eventually closed, only to be reborn as De Leon Springs State Park in 1982.
Today, while you stand beneath Old Methuselah, imagine the stories it could tell. From ancient canoes discovered in the spring to John James Audubon’s visit, capturing the beauty of the local limpkins, each moment adds a layer to the rich tapestry of this site. Whether you’re here to enjoy the natural beauty or to explore the echoes of history, De Leon Springs offers a unique window into Florida’s past.
