07/31/2021
Going to be another hot day.
So, let's take a trip to Floridas first inground swimming pool. It is about 2 miles south of KRHD, so not a far walk down Kings Road.
Princess Place was originally owned by Francisco Pellicer from a land grant in 1788. You might recognize the name as the leader of the group of Minorcans that traveled up Kings Road to St. Augustine to file a grievance with Gov Tonyn about conditions in Turnbull Plantation.
After the Pellicer Plantation was destroyed during the Seminole Wars, it was turned into orange groves until Henry Cutting bought it in the 1880s. By 1888, Cutting (with help from another well known name, Henry Flagler) had created a lodge in the Adirondack style, but using local materials like coquina, tabby and cedar trees in its construction.
There was/is an artesian spring on the property, and Cutting decided to have a swimming pool made for his wealthy guests to cool down during their stay. The water is a fairly consistent 72 degrees, so it was a relief on the hot and humid days we have here in Florida, much like today where we will have a 109 degree heat index.
This swimming pool was the first man made one in Florida. It still exists, but is no where what its former glory was.
* Due to some comments/ questions, the pool is half and half. Most of it is in ground, with a retention wall above ground.
PZ
Princess Place Preserve, with its rich history and 1500 pristine acres, attracts nature enthusiasts from near and far. It provides a glimpse of old Florida. Visitors can take in its splendor while on one of the many hiking trails, fishing the salt marshes along the Matanzas River and Pellicer Creek,...
