Wekiwa Springs State Park History
Early Indians are believed to be the first to live in this area, beginning around 8500 BC and continuing until they were forced out in the 1800’s. They left a number of mounds that are still visible today
In the mid 1800’s, this area was used primarily for farming and milling. After the Civil War, the tourism industry arrived and a hotel and other attractions were constructed at the spring. These operated until the Great Depression.
Turpentining was an important economic activity in the late 1800’s and continued until the late 1930’s. The grooves turpentiners cut into the tree to make their extractions resemble a cat’s whiskers. These "Cat faces" can still be seen on some of our very old pine trees. This area was heavily timbered in the 1930’s as well. Old logging roads and railroad grades left by the logging companies can still be seen today.
In 1941, the Apopka Sportsmen’s Club purchased the property from the Wilson Cypress Company and maintained the area for recreational use. In 1969, the state of Florida purchased the property for use as a state park and since it opened in 1970 visitors from all over the country and all over the world have been enjoying this patch of the "Real Florida"!
In the mid 1800’s, this area was used primarily for farming and milling. After the Civil War, the tourism industry arrived and a hotel and other attractions were constructed at the spring. These operated until the Great Depression.
Turpentining was an important economic activity in the late 1800’s and continued until the late 1930’s. The grooves turpentiners cut into the tree to make their extractions resemble a cat’s whiskers. These "Cat faces" can still be seen on some of our very old pine trees. This area was heavily timbered in the 1930’s as well. Old logging roads and railroad grades left by the logging companies can still be seen today.
In 1941, the Apopka Sportsmen’s Club purchased the property from the Wilson Cypress Company and maintained the area for recreational use. In 1969, the state of Florida purchased the property for use as a state park and since it opened in 1970 visitors from all over the country and all over the world have been enjoying this patch of the "Real Florida"!
