Scenic USA - Florida

Each day Scenic USA presents a new and interesting photo feature from somewhere in the United States. Chosen from a wide variety
of historic sites, city scenes, backcountry byways, points of interest and America's best parklands, this site offers the viewer hundreds
of unique vacation destinations and photographic subjects. Each feature is coupled with a brief explanation. For further detailed
information, links to other sites are provided, but are never to be considered an endorsement.

Hollow Cypress Creek

Hollow Cypress Creek - Deleon Springs, Florida

Photos by Ben Prepelka

     The start of the 19th century marked a tumultuous period in Florida's history. As Spain began to lose its grip on the territory, United States plantation owners no longer paused at the border in pursuit of their runaway slaves. As Florida's sugar plantations expanded, Indian tribes were forced further southward toward Lake Okeechobee. Soon after Spain ceded the territory, U.S. policies attempted to rid the territory of all Indian tribes.
     Just two years after the United States took control of the Florida Territory, Joseph and Jane Woodruff bought 2000 acres of land in a remote area near the St. Johns River in present day Deleon Springs. Upon arrival, the Woodruff slaves quickly built a cabin, then faced the difficult task of driving the Yuchi Indians from the land. Dealing with near starvation and fever, the Woodruff Plantation was far from successful. By 1834, just ten years after their arrival, Joseph and Jane Woodruff had died, along with six of their eight children. The plantation was destroyed in 1836 during the Second Seminal War, along with hundreds of other thriving plantations in northeastern Florida.
     Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1964, providing 30,000 acres Florida alligator of prime habitat for migratory birds and endangered species. Named in honor the Woodruffs, this refuge land includes marshland, swamps and St. Johns River uplands. An excellent location for fresh water fishing, bird watching and photography, much of the preserve is best explored by boat. Over its 50 miles of waterways, endangered manatees, alligators, wading birds and migratory waterfowl are found throughout the refuge. Pictured here is Hollow Cypress Creek, one of the many waterways into the refuge.

   Map of Lake Woodruff NWR