After the Civil War, northern Florida received an influx of settlers. The area around Fort White was still considered wild frontier when the small community was incorporated in 1870. The town of Ichetucknee sprang up along the banks of Mill Pond Spring shortly after.
By 1884, Ichetucknee had its own post office, grist mill and smithy. The Ichetucknee River was the lifeblood of the communities and settlers such as the Dampier family came frequently to the river banks to swim, bathe, hunt, fish and worship. The area flourished with industries included phosphate-mining, citrus, cotton, and railroad commerce. During its heyday, Fort White boasted more than 2,000 residents.
Ichetucknee Springs State was purchased by the State of Florida in 1970 from the Loncala Corporation to preserve one of the state’s outstanding natural wonders.