Near Green Cove Springs in Clay County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

Camp Chowenwaw

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, April 2, 2017

1. Camp Chowenwaw Marker

Inscription. Created in 1932, Camp Chowenwaw (Cho’-wen-waw) derived its name from the Creek word for “sister.” Prominent Jacksonville resident Nancy Osborne, with support from local organizations such as the Rotary and Kiwanis clubs, led the effort for the Girl Scout Council of Duval County to purchase a 67-acre parcel at the mouth of Black Creek for $250. This newly acquired land served as the camp’s grounds. Federal help to build camp structures came from the Reconstruction Finance Corporation during the Great Depression. One of the biggest jobs was the exterior and interior construction of the Big Cabin, including shingles and furniture, from timber harvested on-site. Swedish granite, originally used as ballast in 19th century sailing ships, was donated by G.W. Parkhill and used to construct the cabin’s fireplaces. The camp expanded in 1951 by adding another 40 acres. For over 70 years, Camp Chowenwaw enriched the lives of young women by providing them a place to master new skills and talents as Girl Scouts. The camp remains an important part of Clay County history and serves as a county park offering recreational activities in a preserved natural environment.

Erected 2015 by Clay County Historic Preservation Board, the Clay County Board of County Commissioners, and the Florida Department

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of State. (Marker Number F-874.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Environment • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. A significant historical year for this entry is 1932.

Location. 30° 2.386′ N, 81° 42.789′ W. Marker is near Green Cove Springs, Florida, in Clay County. It can be reached from Ball Road 0.3 miles west of Route 17, on the right when traveling west. Locate in Camp Chowenwaw Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1517 Ball Rd, Green Cove Springs FL 32043, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in First Coast

and in Greater Jacksonville.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Hibernia (approx. 2.1 miles away); St. Margaret's Episcopal Church and Cemetery (approx. 2.1 miles away); William Bartram Scenic Highway (approx. 2.8 miles away); William Bartram Trail (approx. 2.9 miles away); Augusta Savage - Sculptor, Teacher, Civil Rights Activist (approx. 3.4 miles away); The Village Improvement Association Woman's Club (approx. 3.7 miles away); Old Clay County Courthouse (approx. 3.8 miles away); Remember Our Fallen (approx. 3.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Green Cove Springs.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Lynyrd Skynyrd Hell House Site (was approx. 0.6 miles away but has been confirmed missing).

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, April 2, 2017

2. Camp Chowenwaw Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on December 28, 2020. It was originally submitted on April 2, 2017, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 2,293 times since then and 56 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 2, 2017, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.