Near Ocala in Marion County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Home of Silver Springs
Greetings from Marion County
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Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, October 6, 2026
1. Home of Silver Springs Marker
Nestled in Marion County, Silver Springs is America’s oldest commercial tourist attraction, first drawing steamboat tourists in the 1870s. Famous for inventing glass-bottom boats in 1878, it became Florida’s “first tourist attraction,” and a National Natural Landmark in 1971. This living-waterscape, rich in Timucuan history, wildlife, classic Hollywood films, and environmental education, now thrives as Silver Springs State Park, preserving Florida’s heritage.
Florida’s History and Heritage
Erected 2026 by America250FL Road Trip.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the America 250, and the National Natural Landmarks series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1878.
Location. 29° 5.754′ N, 82° 11.175′ W. Marker is near Ocala, Florida, in Marion County. It can be reached from Interstate 75 at milepost 346, 3.7 miles south of Southwest College Road (Florida Route 200), on the right when traveling south. The marker is at the Marion County
this page online
Regionally, this marker is 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 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Florida Honors and Remembers our POW’s and MIA’s (a few steps from this marker); Landbridge East (approx. 3.1 miles away); Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway (approx. 3.2 miles away); Landbridge West (approx. 3.2 miles away); Old Canal Landfill (approx. 3.8 miles away); Brick City Fever (approx. 3.8 miles away); Shangri-La Diggings (approx. 5.1 miles away); The Canal Story (approx. 5.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ocala.
Also see . . .
1. Silver Springs State Park (Wikipedia).
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, October 6, 2026
2. Home of Silver Springs Marker
The inscription is on the east/back side of the marker.
Excerpt: Silver Springs State Park, formerly known as Silver River State Park, is located on the Silver River in Marion County. The park contains Silver Springs, one of the largest artesian spring systems in the world and Florida's first major tourist attraction.(Submitted on October 6, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
The Silver Springs attraction dates to the 1870s, when glass-bottom boats first began operating on the crystal-clear waters. In the early 20th century, the site became a major tourist destination featuring jungle cruises, wildlife exhibits, and film locations for Hollywood movies, including several Tarzan films.
In 1985, the State of Florida purchased approximately 5,000 acres of surrounding land to protect it from development, establishing Silver River State Park. In 1993, the state acquired the main Silver Springs attraction, though it continued to operate under private management. On October 1, 2013, the state took full control of the headsprings area, merged it with the adjacent Silver River State Park, and officially created Silver Springs State Park.
The protects the Silver River, a five-mile spring-fed waterway that flows into the Ocklawaha River. Silver Springsis a first-magnitude spring system with an average discharge of over 550 million gallons per day. The park features sandhill forests, wetlands, and abundant wildlife, including manatees, alligators, turtles, fish, and birds. It was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1971.Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, October 6, 20263. Home of Silver Springs MarkerThe marker is on the west side of the Marion County Rest Area comfort station.
2. America 250 FL Road Trip. (Submitted on October 6, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, October 6, 2026
4. Home of Silver Springs Marker
Looking west from the Marion County Rest Area comfort station.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 6, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 6, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 4 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 6, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
