- Agriculture: Settlers cleared land for crops such as citrus, sugarcane, and vegetables, relying on springs for irrigation.
- Timber and Logging: Pine and cypress logging provided lumber for construction and export.
- Transportation: Spring-fed waterways facilitated movement of goods and people, connecting inland settlements to larger trade networks along the St. Johns River.
- Small Settlements: Homesteads and farmsteads developed near the spring, though the area remained relatively rural and sparsely populated.
Despite these developments, the spring itself remained largely undisturbed due to its location and cultural significance, retaining its clear waters and surrounding natural habitat.
Economic and Recreational Uses
By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, De Leon Springs had become a destination for recreation and commerce:
- Tourism: Visitors from nearby towns and cities began flocking to the spring for swimming, picnicking, and relaxation.
- Commercial Enterprises: Lodges, bathhouses, and boarding facilities were constructed to accommodate tourists seeking the purported health benefits of spring water.
- Farming and Milling: The fertile lands surrounding the spring supported small-scale farming and milling operations, contributing to the local economy.
These developments helped establish the spring as a regional landmark and recreational resource, setting the stage for its eventual designation as a state park. shutdown123