Discovering Oriole Mines in Withlacoochee State Forest

Exploring Oriole Mines

In the Withlacoochee State Forest is the site of an old town called "Oriole". It was a small town with a population of around 100 people or so that was established in the early 1880's. The town only lasted until the late 1800's though. I have been exploring where the old town used to be and the surrounding areas. Some evidence can still be found if you look hard enough.

On a recent hike out there I found what looks to be an old mine way back in the woods. I managed to find an old tram road where you can see the areas dug up. These are known as the Oriole Mines and were managed by the Oriole Mining Company. I believe they would mine phosphate back here up until around 1915. Initially I set out not knowing what I would find. Little did I know I would discover yet another connection to history on this old town.

My Videos
Exploring Oriole Mine
Oriole Mines

Resources
Oriole Ghost Town
Withlacoochee State Forest
Hernando County History

Oriole Mine

Looking Down Into Oriole Mines

Oriole Mine

"Etna" Ghost Town in Withlacoochee State Forest

Turpentine Camp Remains

I went out exploring in the Withlacoochee State Forest and found an old ghost town called "Etna". It was a turpentine camp from 1898 to 1915 and has long since vanished. When I arrived at the site the area was heavily wooded.

I explored around the site extensively finding scattered remains all around. Some bricks, herty cups and other evidence from turpentine activity. During it's peak the town had 50 buildings though on this visit I didn't see any remains of buildings but saw a lot of blocks.

I learned that the site was initially discovered back in the early 90's when they surveyed the area for a pipeline. Many of the local historians didn't know of the site either at the time of it's discovery. Now that the site is known we now have a window into the past.

Herty Cup Fragments

                              My Videos
                              Turpentine Site Remains
                              Ruins of Etna
                              Etna Turpentine Site

                              Resources
                              History of Etna
                              Withlacoochee State Forest

Bricks

                                        *As always I leave all artifacts as I find them.                                               

Barrel Ring

Foundation & Blocks

Metal Cup for Collecting Resin from Trees

Exploring Cumpressco in The Green Swamp

Trailhead

This is an interesting place to explore in the Green Swamp with lots of history. I've been covering various areas here to see what I can discover. On this adventure I hiked a forest road known as Cumpressco in the East Tract. This used to be an old railroad that went through the old town of Cumpressco. It's long gone and the town site is somewhere along this area. 

The dirt road goes on for miles so I hiked it from the trailhead several miles out and along the way I found railroad spikes embedded into the ground, a giant piece of steel by an area that I think used to be a stop along the railroad. Further down the same dirt road in the woods I found a few small abandoned cabins and I am not sure what they were used for or how old they are. 

I headed back to the trailhead once I was done checking out the cabins. It was a long walk back along the same dirt road I came in on. Surprisingly I found an old abandoned truck that I missed on the way in. It was in brush and I walked back to check it out.

I also saw a lot of wildlife on this hike and that always adds to the experience! I got to see a lot of alligators big ones and baby ones along the swamp. I saw a few deer, a couple of owls in the trees high above and even a bobcat. 

Each time I go this area to explore I come away with something different each time. It's history and beautiful wilderness always draw me back. I posted some photos and videos I did below along with some helpful links to help you find out more about this place. If you have any questions or some insights on this place please feel free to comment to below. 

My Videos

Small Cabins in The Green Swamp

Finding Small Abandoned Cabins in The Green Swamp

Abandoned Truck in The Green Swamp

Resources

Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve 

History of Compressco 

Green Swamp Interactive