Old Phosphate Mine
This was a really neat exploration I did in Citrus County where some of the old phosphate mining took place back in the 1800’s. Phosphate was and still is a big industry throughout Florida and is used for many purposes. This particular mine was located near the towns of Dunnellon and Hernando, it was near an old railroad line which linked many of these mines long ago. Today the railroad is part of the Withlacoochee State Trail.
A subdivision surrounds the old mine today and nature has reclaimed the area but some traces of the past could still be seen as I roamed around there. Some of this history I found on the area: In 1889 the Dunnellon Phosphate Company purchased 70,000 acres in Marion, Citrus, and Hernando Counties. Mining Operations began early the next year, By 1909 there were 34 mines in operation in Citrus County. Mining operations ceased around the time of World War I in the early 1900’s.
My Video
Abandoned Phosphate Mine in Citrus County
Resources
Phosphate History in Florida: Florida Memory
Rails-to-Trails Withlacoochee State Trail
FLORIDA TRAILBLAZER 
I’m interested in the old phosphate mines in the citrus County / Marion County area. We live in Citrus Springs and go walking through the wood often. I have heard about caves in the area but to date have not located them.
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