Suwannee Springs, Live Oak, Florida
Historic Suwannee Springs, Live Oak, Florida, Hotel Catches Fire and Burns Down 3 Times
In 1831 Francis Ross purchased the springs and surrounding property from the United States for $5,000 and began constructing a resort there. Ross sold the springs in 1838 and from that point on it went through a series of owners over the years.
A massive and luxurious hotel was built after the Civil War which featured 125 rooms. Unfortunately the hotel burned down shortly after completion in 1884. A second smaller hotel was constructed in 1885 featuring only 25 rooms but the facility also had guest cottages throughout the property. However, this hotel also burned down in 1901. A third hotel also fell victim to fire in 1925 after the springs fell out of favor with the public.
GPS Location: 30°23’40.1″N 82°56’03.9″W
