As America marks its 250th anniversary, the America250 initiative calls us to honor the many ways a place can be understood and preserved, through compassion, storytelling, and exploration. At the Lodge at Wakulla Springs, a proud member of the Adventures Unbound family, we are honoring Women’s History Month by celebrating three women whose connection to these waters and this land spans generations.
Three Women, Three Ways of Knowing a Place
In March 1818, along the Wakulla River, Milly Francis made a decision that would define her legacy. A Creek woman during the First Seminole War, she intervened to save the life of an American soldier, an act that became part of the region’s history and reflects a moment of profound humanity during a time of conflict.
Generations later, Elizabeth Fisher Smith contributed in a different but equally meaningful way. As the founder of Magnolia Monthly, she documented the people, culture, and history of Wakulla County and North Florida, preserving stories that might otherwise have been lost. Her work continues to serve as a valuable historical resource.
Beneath the surface of Wakulla Springs, Dr. Dawn Kernagis expanded understanding of the region through scientific exploration. As a researcher and technical diver with the Woodville Karst Plain Project, she helped map extensive underwater cave systems and contributed to a landmark connection that formed one of the longest underwater cave systems in the United States. Her work represents a modern chapter in the ongoing exploration of this landscape.
Dive Into the Story
This Women’s History Month, the clear waters of Wakulla Springs invite you to experience both the natural beauty and the history that define this place. To learn more about how we are celebrating the stories that shape America’s heritage, visit America250 at Adventures Unbound and explore further at Florida Memory.