Troy Spring State Park, First magnitude spring park near Branford, Florida.
Troy Spring is a first-magnitude freshwater spring in Troy Spring State Park, about six miles north of Branford off US 27. The spring pool is the submerged resting place of the Confederate sidewheel paddle steamer Madison, scuttled there in September 1863.
The spring gained historical significance in 1863 when a Confederate steamboat was deliberately sunk here to prevent capture by Union forces. This event left underwater remains that visitors can still see today.
The spring's name comes from the nearby settlement of Troy, and the sunken steamer Madison gives the site its second identity: a Civil War wreck lying in freshwater. Divers follow a marked underwater trail to the paddle steamer, while swimmers stay near the spring bowl. The park sits about six miles north of Branford off US 27.
The spring is accessible daily and diving or snorkeling equipment enhances the experience at this location. Picnic facilities and basic amenities are available for day visits.
The wreck at the bottom of Troy Spring is the Madison, a Confederate sidewheel paddle steamer owned and captained by James Felix Tucker. He scuttled her in September 1863 to keep her from Union hands. The spring is one of Florida's 33 first-magnitude springs.
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