Near Ocala in Marion County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

Opposition to the Canal

Historic Florida Barge Canal Trail

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, February 13, 2021

1. Opposition to the Canal Marker

Inscription. "Incited by selfish interests and from a purely mercenary motive, an effort is now being made, through construction of a cross-state canal, to mar and at least, in part, destroy the region's beauty, fertility and health."
Hillsborough County Board of Commissioners
Joint Resolution (1935)

"...in its pollution of our fresh waters, it [the canal] would be a greater calamity than any freeze or hurricane which has come to this State."
Florida Grower Magazine
Editorial (1935)

"A sea-level canal might open underground channels in the Ocala limestone of such size and extent as would drain a wide area, with consequent extensive damage to ground water supplies."
American Fruit Grower Magazine
Article (1939)

Erected by Florida State Parks. (Marker Number 5.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Environment • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1935.

Location. 29° 6.202′ N, 82° 5.412′ W. Marker is near Ocala, Florida, in Marion County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Southeast 80th Street (County Road 328) and South Pine Avenue (U.S. 441), on the right when

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traveling east. Marker is located along the trail at "The Island" - Cross Florida Barge Canal Interpretive Park, just south of the Marion County Sheriff's Station. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3260 Southeast 80th Street, Ocala FL 34480, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Protective Perspective (here, next to this marker); Environmental Victory Nears (here, next to this marker); Great Depression Public Works Project (here, next to this marker); Deliberate Strategy (here, next to this marker); A Beautiful Place (here, next to this marker); Historical Perspective (here, next to this marker); Conclusive Federal Action (here, next to this marker); Canal Stopping (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ocala.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Historic Florida Barge Canal Trail

Also see . . . History of the Cross Florida Greenway. New Deal funding for the canal ran out within three years. Local critics insisted that the canal would disrupt Florida’s aquifer and waterways. National opposition grew in response to claims that the project was a waste of taxpayer money and of limited value to people outside of Florida. (Submitted on February 17, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Marker detail: Uncaptioned Photos image. Click for full size.

2. Marker detail: Uncaptioned Photos

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, February 13, 2021

3. Opposition to the Canal Marker

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, February 13, 2021

4. Opposition to the Canal Marker

(fifth of eight “Canal Story” markers in this series)

Credits. This page was last revised on August 29, 2021. It was originally submitted on February 14, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 123 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 17, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.