Summary of Features
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For maps, latitude/longitude data, driving directions, satellite imagery, and topographic representations as well as weather conditions at this spring, go to Greg Johnson's informative "Florida Springs Database" web site at the following address: http://www.ThisWaytothe.Net/springs/floridasprings.htm#Florida
Spring Description
Charles Spring has two limestone bridges, creating two pools at its
head and a shallow run of about 250 feet to the Suwannee. The pools can
be green, blue, or clear depending on rain and light conditions and water
levels. The spring vent appears to be under one of the limestone bridges,
and the vent is not readily visible. The run is very clear and flows over
and through gnarled cypress roots and over rocks where the run meets the
river. At normal water levels, the run tumbles about four feet into the
river. The run ranges from 40 feet wide near the limestone bridges to about
12 feet wide near the river and is from 1-4 feet deep. In times of drought,
the run can dry up completely, leaving only water in pools among the limestone bridges.
When JF visited the spring in January 2004, he was struck by the large amounts of algae growing in the run; this algae has not historically been in the run in such profusion--nearly the entire run was covered in long green strips--and is the result of elevated levels of nitrate flowing from the spring.
Use/Access
Local Springiana
Historical accounts suggest that the early Spanish Conquistadors crossed
the Suwannee at this site, following an Indian trail. A Spanish mission,
San Juan de Guacara, was built near the spring. In the 19th
century, settlers (including Ruben Charles) built on the site and ran a
ferry operation across the river. After Charles died in 1842, his wife
ran the ferry for ten more years, until she was shot and killed on her
front porch (Springs of the Suwannee, SRWMD, no date).
Personal Impressions
Charles is a very attractive if somewhat remote spring that makes for
a great picnic, wading, and canoeing site. The rising nitrate levels,
which are common in all the springs in this region, are causing huge and
disgusting amounts of algae growth that significantly (and for the forseeable
future) mar and degrade the spring.
Nearby Springs
Contact Information
Suwannee River Water Management District
9225 CR49
Live Oak, FL 32060
800-226-1066