| William Bartram was one of the areas earliest
naturalists, explorers and writers. In 1791 he wrote of his travels
on and about the Little St. Juan's (Little St. Johns), which later
became the Suwannee. Throughout its history men have used it as a
means of travel, trade and communication. During the 19th century
timber men floated huge rafts of hardwoods, pine, cypress and naval
stores to be loaded aboard ships in the lower Suwannee. Trading
schooners plied its waters bringing goods and, just as eagerly
sought, news from the outside. During the Civil War the river was a
major port for Confederate supplies. River commerce continued right
up to the 1950s when better roads and trucks provided a more
efficient means of transport. Today the Suwannee is still one of the
most undisturbed major rivers in the country. Most of its traffic
and use is recreational. We hope you'll join those of us who love
our rivers and help keep it clean and beautiful. |
