Tampa’s hidden oasis

Before the days of backyard pools and giant water parks, Tampa’s residents (which should be clarified as the city’s white residents) flocked to the spring and pool at Sulphur Springs. Located on the Hillsborough River near today’s Zoo Tampa (Lowry Park), the spring and surrounding area was first purchased by Dr. John Mills around 1901. Prior to that, in 1891, a bridge was constructed over the river near the springs at what is now Van Dyke Place.

Though Mills was the original owner and developer of the Sulphur Springs area, Josiah Richardson deserves much of the credit for making it a destination. Richardson purchased 100 acres of land from Mills in 1904, and he spent the next 15 years building a larger pool, bathhouses, a dance pavilion, and, as a special nod to Florida tourism, an alligator farm.

Richardson also built the Sulphur Springs Hotel and the Sulphur Springs Water Tower in 1927, the latter designed to resemble a lighthouse. The hotel building included Mave’s Arcade, long credited as the first indoor collection of shops—a precursor to the mall.