During the 1800's to early 1900's High Springs was largely a company town for the Plant System rail yard and roundhouse. The railroad was thus a core element of our history.
The purpose of the Museum is to encourage the collection, researching, cataloging, restoration, maintenance, and display of materials, artifacts and documents relating to the history of High Springs, FL.
THE RAILROAD CENTER
The Savannah, Florida and Western railroad, part of the Plant System, was extended from Live Oak to Gainesville in 1883, passing through the small community of Santaffey, named for the nearby Santa Fe River. A post office and railroad station were established and, in 1888, the name was changed to High Springs.
In 1895. the Plant System Railroad established its division headquarters in High Springs with roundhouse, turntable, repair shops, and a two-story district hospital. Three branches of the Atlantic Coast Line converged in the town which became known as "The Railroad Center."
The rail line supported local farmers by shipping tobacco, peanuts, corn, and melons to market. Phosphate was discovered in 1888, which added to the growth.
High Springs has since become a center for antiques and collectibles, and as a gateway to springs and rivers.
Help Preserve Our Local Heritage
The purpose of the Museum is to encourage the collection, researching, cataloging, restoration, maintenance, and display of materials, artifacts and documents relating to the history of High Springs, FL.
THE RAILROAD CENTER
The Savannah, Florida and Western railroad, part of the Plant System, was extended from Live Oak to Gainesville in 1883, passing through the small community of Santaffey, named for the nearby Santa Fe River. A post office and railroad station were established and, in 1888, the name was changed to High Springs.
In 1895. the Plant System Railroad established its division headquarters in High Springs with roundhouse, turntable, repair shops, and a two-story district hospital. Three branches of the Atlantic Coast Line converged in the town which became known as "The Railroad Center."
The rail line supported local farmers by shipping tobacco, peanuts, corn, and melons to market. Phosphate was discovered in 1888, which added to the growth.
High Springs has since become a center for antiques and collectibles, and as a gateway to springs and rivers.
Help Preserve Our Local Heritage
The High Springs Historical Museum is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that relies on the generosity of it's friends and supporters to meet the expense of providing valuable exhibitions, educational material, access to historical collections along with the care and maintenance of all the unique memorabilia and artifacts. Your generous donation is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Certified with the Sate of Florida as a Non-Profit Corporation and as a charitable organization for receiving contributions and donations under Registration # CH40439 (Solicitation of Contribution for Florida Charitable Organization.
Certified with the Sate of Florida as a Non-Profit Corporation and as a charitable organization for receiving contributions and donations under Registration # CH40439 (Solicitation of Contribution for Florida Charitable Organization.
A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state. http://www.floridaconsumerhelp.com/ Toll-free number 1-800-435-7352