Assessing Integrity at Florida's Mid-Century Spring-Based Roadside Attractions

The State of Florida has served as a tourist destination since the mid-nineteenth century; however, tourism to the state has taken many different forms. Steamboats, railroads, early automobiles, the Interstate, and airlines have transported tourists to Florida for over one hundred years. Roadside attractions dominated the mid-twentieth century, accommodating those traveling by automobile and often focusing on Florida’s natural resources such as the Florida springs. Roadside attractions constantly evolved to continue attracting business, especially to compete with the development of large-scale theme parks such as Disney World. This thesis seeks to answer the following research questions: What is the significance of Florida’s mid-century spring-based roadside attractions, how have they developed over time, and to what extent have these attractions maintained their historic integrity? Issues and patterns identified during the application of the National Register of Historic Places framework to ephemeral historic resources such as spring-based roadside attractions will be discussed.