Cross Florida Barge Canal
Embark on a captivating virtual journey through the remnants of the Cross Florida Barge Canal, an abandoned project nestled in Ocala, Florida. This immersive experience features a comprehensive collection of twenty-three 360-degree panoramic images. Each image invites you to meticulously explore every nook and cranny of this historical area. As you navigate through the tour, take your time to absorb the full scope of this once ambitious but now deserted endeavor, viewing it from every possible perspective.
Click here to view it in fullscreen.
About the abandoned Florida Project
Exploring the Legacy of the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway
Florida’s natural beauty has always been one of its most remarkable assets. In the mid-20th century, a controversial construction project known as the Cross Florida Barge Canal threatened to disrupt this natural wonder. However, thanks to the tireless efforts of environmentalists and visionary leaders like Marjorie Harris Carr, the project was halted, and the land was transformed into the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway. In this blog post, we’ll take you on a journey through the history of the greenway and show you where you can witness the remnants of its construction today.
The Cross Florida Barge Canal: A Controversial Past
Before delving into the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway, it’s crucial to understand the history that led to its creation. The Cross Florida Barge Canal was a massive infrastructure project conceived in the early 20th century. It aimed to connect the Gulf of Mexico with the Atlantic Ocean via a canal, providing a shortcut for shipping traffic and economic benefits to Florida.
Construction of the canal began in the 1930s, but it was halted due to environmental and economic concerns during World War II. After the war, the project was revived, leading to the excavation of a portion of the canal known as the “Rodman Dam.”
Marjorie Harris Carr: A Champion of Conservation
One of the pivotal figures in the fight against the Cross Florida Barge Canal was Marjorie Harris Carr. An accomplished botanist and environmental activist, Carr recognized the ecological devastation caused by the canal’s construction. She dedicated herself to preserving Florida’s natural treasures and spearheaded the effort to stop the canal project.
Carr’s passionate advocacy led to a lawsuit against the canal, resulting in a temporary injunction in 1971. Eventually, President Richard Nixon halted the canal project altogether in 1971, citing environmental concerns. This marked a turning point in the history of Florida’s conservation efforts.
The Birth of the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway
Following the cancellation of the Cross Florida Barge Canal, the state of Florida sought to reclaim the land and restore its natural beauty. In 1975, Governor Reubin Askew officially designated the area as the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway to honor Carr’s dedication to environmental preservation.
Exploring the Greenway Today
Today, the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway stretches approximately 110 miles across central Florida, from the Gulf of Mexico to the St. Johns River. It offers a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and recreational opportunities. Let’s explore some of the key areas where you can witness the remnants of the canal construction and enjoy the greenway’s attractions:
- The Rodman Dam: As mentioned earlier, the Rodman Dam is one of the most visible remnants of the Cross Florida Barge Canal project. Located on the Ocklawaha River, this dam is a testament to the ambitious construction that once took place here. Visitors can hike along the dam’s trails and enjoy scenic views of the river.
- Ocala National Forest: The greenway passes through the Ocala National Forest, which provides ample opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife observation. While exploring this pristine wilderness, you can appreciate the conservation efforts that have preserved this natural treasure.
- Santos Trailhead: Located in Ocala, the Santos Trailhead is a hub for mountain biking enthusiasts. The greenway features a network of mountain biking trails that wind through the forested landscape, offering riders a thrilling experience.
- Historic Landmarks: Along the greenway, you’ll also find various historic landmarks, such as the Kirkpatrick Dam and the Sharpes Ferry Bridge. These structures serve as reminders of the canal’s original construction and the subsequent preservation efforts.
- Silver Springs: The greenway passes near Silver Springs, one of Florida’s oldest and most famous tourist attractions. Visitors can take glass-bottom boat tours to explore the crystal-clear waters and witness the unique underwater ecosystems that Marjorie Harris Carr fought to protect.
Preserving Florida’s Natural Heritage
The Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway is more than just a recreational area; it’s a testament to the power of grassroots environmental activism and the determination to protect natural resources. Marjorie Harris Carr’s legacy lives on through the greenway, reminding us of the importance of conservation and sustainable land use.
Challenges and Future Conservation Efforts
While the greenway has successfully preserved a significant portion of the Cross Florida Barge Canal land, it still faces ongoing challenges. Urban development, invasive species, and climate change are all threats to the greenway’s ecosystems. To ensure its continued vitality, ongoing conservation efforts are essential.
Conclusion
The Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway stands as a remarkable testament to the resilience of nature and the dedication of those who fought to protect it. It’s a place where you can witness the remnants of a once-controversial construction project while immersing yourself in the beauty and biodiversity of Florida’s natural landscapes.
As you explore the greenway’s trails, paddle along its rivers, or simply bask in its serenity, take a moment to reflect on the remarkable journey that transformed a potentially destructive canal into a haven of conservation and outdoor recreation. Marjorie Harris Carr’s vision continues to inspire us to appreciate, protect, and celebrate the natural wonders of Florida for generations to come.
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A 360-degree panoramic image captured underneath one of the abandoned bridge supports of the Cross Florida Barge Canal
Do you have 360-degree panoramic images captured in an abandoned location? Send your images to Abandonedin360@gmail.com. If you choose to go out and do some urban exploring in your town, here are some safety tips before you head out on your Urbex adventure.
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Equipment used to capture the 360-degree panoramic images:
- Canon DSLR camera
- Canon 8-15mm fisheye
- Manfrotto tripod
- Custom rotating tripod head
If you want to start shooting 360-degree panoramic images, you might want to look onto one-click 360-degree action cameras.
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