Named for the river made famous in song and surrounded by it on three sides, Suwannee County was established on December 21, 1858. Its humble beginnings were interrupted by the Civil War, but within a few decades, thousands flocked to the warm climate to make a fortune in timber, cotton, and naval stores. Others visited world-renowned springs that helped to turn Suwannee County into a vacationer's dream at the close of the 19th century. The clearing of the virgin timber, destruction of the cotton crop, and speedy growth of South Florida during and after World War I led to an economic slump and altered the lifestyles of many local citizens. Suwannee County continues to attract thousands of visitors and new residents every year with the pristine beauty of the Suwannee River and the promise of quiet living in a rural setting.