KERR CITY
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KERR CITY |
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NAME: Kerr City COUNTY: Marion ROADS: 2WD GRID: 2 CLIMATE: Fine BEST TIME TO VISIT: Spring |
COMMENTS:
The city is owned by Arthur Brennan who manages the family holdings. Arthur has renovated several original homes with many ancestors possessions still inside. The homes, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, can be rented. Kerr City is located on Hwy 316. 3 miles west of Hwy 19 in Salt Springs. (352)685-2557 REMAINS: Many original homes, Post Office, 1925 Gas Station, Stage Coach road, Cemetery |
| A wonderful preserved ghost town, Kerr City was the second town in Marion county platted in 1884. The town grew to 100 residents, a hotel, sawmill, general store, pharmacy, school/church, and a post office. It served as the stage stop for travelers commuting from the St. John's River to Ocala. Originally a cotton plantation during the Civil War, it flourished as an orange growning community. The community deserted the town after the freezes of 1894-95. The way station is still there down Beulah Avenue. In 1884 there were 205 acres and a platted 26-block town with streets such as Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. Junis Terry, a doctor from Chicago and his wife arrived and built in 1885 the Lake Kerr House. This hotel was three stories high and was made of virgin pine. Despite the precautions of taking down all the surrounding trees, the hotel burned down in 1907 reportedly by arson. The Post Office operated until 1941. The town had a newspaper called the Kerr City Advertiser in 1885. The founder, George Smiley continued to live in Kerr City when all the neighbors moved out after the freeze. He gradually bought most of the abandoned properties around him. By 1955 his son Alfred owned the entire town. The old school/church is gone now due to vandalism. The elder owner just tore it down since it was damaged so much. The oldest Texaco "station" in Florida (1925)can still be found in pristine condition here but, now pumps unleaded gas. Arthur Brennan Alfred's grandson has preserved the town and can be contacted for retals of the old homesites. Make sure you stop at the stop sign or prepare for a good "tongue lashing" from Arthur. He has had too much trouble with thieves lately. He will gladly put you in his golf cart and show you around the town giving you a great history lesson. Submitted by: Mike Woodfin |
All Pictures Courtesy Mike Woodfin
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