Photograph as originally submitted to this page in the Historical Marker Database www.HMdb.org. Click on photo to resize in browser. Scroll down to see metadata.

Photographer: Cosmos Mariner
Taken: February 13, 2021
Caption: Marker detail: Historic Barge Canal Trail
Additional Description: Unique Sanctuary
This 10-acre "island" in the middle of US-441/US-301 near Santos includes four huge steel-reinforced concrete stanchions. These monstrous supports were for a bridge that was never built over a canal that was never completed. The canal was intended for ships and barges traveling between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. The stanchions were constructed in 1936. The canal project was officially halted in 1971.

Friendly Walkway
The Historic Barge Canal Trail is a wide wandering path that's just 4/10's of mile long. It was re-opened in 2016 after nature hid it among overgrowth for several years. It wanders along the base of the stanchions so that area residents and visitors might better appreciate the significance of the canal's place in Florida's history. The trail has been deliberately cut to accommodate walkers and hikers of all ages and nearly all capabilities, yet it remains as close as possible to its natural "woodsy" self. Be safe! Watch where you step.

Limited Access
In late 2016, an additional trail was constructed on the western side of The Island. It's a little more than 3/10's of a mile long, but is narrower and more rugged than the main trail. Only sure-footed walkers should attempt to use this pathway. It has been cleverly named the "Westside Trail."

Interpretive Displays
Both trails are actually off-shoots of the Florida Trail. Look for markers, signs and displays to enhance your brief journey from one end of The Island to the other, and to give yourself a glimpse into a portion of Florida's history. Take your time! Enjoy nature and think about times and people gone by and what was thought to be a "great idea" for more than 500 years: the Cross Florida Ship and Barge Canal. And, appreciate the "better idea," which became the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway.
Submitted: February 15, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Database Locator Identification Number: p569307
File Size: 3.774 Megabytes

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