Pylons and Bridges, Connections and Traces of the Past

Driving in my car from Ocala to Belleview, Florida I caught a glimpse of some concrete bridge columns. These monoliths are camouflaged by vines and surrounded by lush trees just off the road. As a teenager I was somewhat surprised by the sight. The columns look like ancient pylons sitting in a wooded median where US Highway 301/441 diverts. The north bound and south bound traffic separates for a few hundred yards to then reconvene with a low grassy area betwixt. Bustling commuters pass by unaware of these disguised wonders. Being unsure about the significance of these structures, my dad later explained.

I was told The Cross Florida Barge Canal project was started by the Army Core of Engineers in an effort to make an opportune water route from the Atlantic to the Gulf of Mexico. The projected path went right through Marion County where the unfinished columns stand today. What my father didn't tell me was the idea of utilizing an expedient coast to coast channel began in the mid 1500’s.

Navigating Florida’s subtropical terrain and entrenched in skirmishes with hostile Timucuan natives, Spanish explorers longed for an easier course across the State. These explorations were further supported by hopeful cartographers who speculated that a water passage may already exist. A history report by the Department of Environmental Protection, Florida agencies and the University of Florida, chronologically details the proposals, obstacles and concerns that faced prospectors throughout (Noll & Tegeder, 2003). The Cross Florida Barge Canal was ultimately scrapped. I have attached the history report on what is now called, The Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway.

Dad told me the project failed due to concerns about ruining Florida’s aquifer. Saltwater intrusion would have decimated our fresh drinking water, a resource now so precious in light of ongoing droughts, State shortages and with our current spring boils in notable decline. Canceling the project may have indeed prevented a more rapid and severe impact. Some say, “There is always more to the story,” and it seems, this is the case. Understanding our local areas can bring enrichment, a sense of belonging, investment and connects us as individuals and in a community.  Connections like these can raise our awareness to concerns and solutions that affect us all.

Noll, S., & Tegeder, M. D. (2003). From Exploitation to Conservation: A History of the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway. Retrieved September 3, 2014, from https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML1204/ML12044A397.pdf 

Link to Report