Today’s history lesson: Juan Ponce de Leon, a Spanish soldier and explorer, came to the Americas on Columbus’s second voyage in 1493 and stayed in Santo Domingo (the Dominican Republic) when Columbus returned to Spain. He established the oldest European settlement in Puerto Rico and discovered the Gulf Stream (An important shipping current flowing from the tip of Florida across the Atlantic Ocean to Northern Europe.)
Native Americans told Ponce de Leon about the legendary Fountain of Youth, a spring whose waters had the power to restore youth. In 1513, he sailed from Puerto Rico and, on Easter Sunday, April 2,1513, he landed just north of present day Saint Augustine. He named the area Florida an abbreviation of Pascua Florida—Flowery Easter.
On his last expedition in 1521, Ponce de Leon set out to colonize Florida and discover the Fountain of Youth. His party of nearly two hundred settlers landed on the west coast of Florida in what is now know as Charlotte Harbor. They met fierce resistance from the Native Americans and were forced to withdraw. Ponce de Leon was mortally wounded in the battle and died when the fleeing party reached Cuba.
And he was never to know how close he came to The Fountain of Youth or as it is better known, Warm Mineral Springs, North Port, Florida, just a few miles north of Charlotte Harbor, which is the only warm mineral spring in Florida. Its water has the highest mineral content of any warm springs in the United States and is third highest in the world. Warm Mineral Springs has a higher mineral concentration than the famous spas in Vichy and Aix les Bains in France, Baden Baden in Germany and the Hot Springs in Arkansas.
Native Americans told Ponce de Leon about the legendary Fountain of Youth, a spring whose waters had the power to restore youth. In 1513, he sailed from Puerto Rico and, on Easter Sunday, April 2,1513, he landed just north of present day Saint Augustine. He named the area Florida an abbreviation of Pascua Florida—Flowery Easter.
On his last expedition in 1521, Ponce de Leon set out to colonize Florida and discover the Fountain of Youth. His party of nearly two hundred settlers landed on the west coast of Florida in what is now know as Charlotte Harbor. They met fierce resistance from the Native Americans and were forced to withdraw. Ponce de Leon was mortally wounded in the battle and died when the fleeing party reached Cuba.
And he was never to know how close he came to The Fountain of Youth or as it is better known, Warm Mineral Springs, North Port, Florida, just a few miles north of Charlotte Harbor, which is the only warm mineral spring in Florida. Its water has the highest mineral content of any warm springs in the United States and is third highest in the world. Warm Mineral Springs has a higher mineral concentration than the famous spas in Vichy and Aix les Bains in France, Baden Baden in Germany and the Hot Springs in Arkansas.
Warm Mineral Springs is a water-filled, hourglass shaped sinkhole. It is about 80 yards in diameter and 230 feet deep where warm, heavily mineralized water enters from regions far below. It was developed into a spa years ago and visitors come from around the world to soak in its rejuvenating water.
Nine million gallons of mineral water, temperature approximately 87 degrees, flows through the spring each day. So, you wonder, how does it feel to spend a day at the Springs.
Nine million gallons of mineral water, temperature approximately 87 degrees, flows through the spring each day. So, you wonder, how does it feel to spend a day at the Springs.
Glorious!
I spent the day there last Wednesday and I can tell you that the entire area surrounding the Springs is exceptionally peaceful, the water is rejuvenating and the café serves exceptionally fresh and wholesome food but also includes hamburgers and fries. If you are ever in the area, don’t miss your opportunity. I’m sure Ponce de Leon is sorry that he never quite got there.
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15 comments:
It sounds gorgeous, Terrie. When I read about these places in Florida I don't know, I want to plan a tour. One day...
I know. It's always the odd little places that escape my notice. Warm Springs is 35 miles north of us and lots of folks around here don't know that it is there.
What a wonderful spot. And thanks for the history. It was fascinating.
I a reading this, after having come in from assessing flood damage from heavy rains on top of heavy snow. Delightful!!!! Thanks, Terrie.
df Leah,
I found the history to be amazing. although everyone has heard about Ponce de Leon's search for the Fountain of Youth, I had no idea that he came to the Americas with Columbus or that there was a mineral spring so close to where he had his ferocious last battle. I guess the Native American who told him about the Fountain of Youth had great respect for the mineral springs and its healing powers.
Debra,
Spring is a comin'. I promise! Glad you enjoyed this. And the next time you are on the Gulf coast of Florida...
So this is what was meant - in Victorian times - by "taking a rest cure".... I'm ready.
Oh yes, I am MORE than ready for a dip in the springs and a nap. Maybe a week of them!
Thanks for sharing- it looks lovely!
Oh, that looks absolutely LOVELY. I wish I were there right at this very moment!
Lois, I think you are right--in the Victorian novels when they were going to the waters for their health, they meant a spring like this!
Clare, a week sounds lovely!
Laura, Lovely is the word! Peaceful is the second word.
Terrie, great article. You make me miss Florida especially on this rainy day.
Terri, it looks like a great place to spend a bit of time! The history you provided just makes it all the more interesting.
Thanks, Reb.
It really is a wonderful place.
Leigh,
If you ever get back down to Florida, the Warm Springs will be waiting.
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