The Savannah, Florida and Western railroad, part of the Plant System, was extended from Live Oak to Gainesville in 1883, passing through the small community of Santaffey, named for the nearby Santa Fe River. A post office and railroad station were established and, in 1888, the name was changed to High Springs.
In 1895. the Plant System Railroad established its division headquarters in High Springs with roundhouse, turntable, repair shops, and a two-story district hospital. Three branches of the Atlantic Coast Line converged in the town which became known as "The Railroad Center." The rail line supported local farmers by shipping tobacco, peanuts, corn, and melons to market. Phosphate was discovered in 1888, which added to the growth. Source: Railroad
In 1895. the Plant System Railroad established its division headquarters in High Springs with roundhouse, turntable, repair shops, and a two-story district hospital. Three branches of the Atlantic Coast Line converged in the town which became known as "The Railroad Center." The rail line supported local farmers by shipping tobacco, peanuts, corn, and melons to market. Phosphate was discovered in 1888, which added to the growth. Source: Railroad
