As America marks its 250th anniversary, the America250 initiative calls us to look closely at the places where history is not just remembered but actively kept alive. At De Leon Springs, a proud member of the Adventures Unbound family, we are honoring Women’s History Month by celebrating two women whose connections to this storied spring reflect both lasting symbolism and living history.

Memory in Stone and Story

Some contributions to a place are preserved in lasting form. Marilyn Talton Johnston inspired the Bathing Beauty statue at the entrance to De Leon Springs, an iconic image that has become part of the park’s identity. Her connection to the spring highlights how personal stories can become woven into the visual character of a place.

Bringing history to life in a different way, Charlene Wilson, also known as Chulufi Yuchi, has worked to share the deeper history of the land through reenactment and interpretation. As a Florida State Park employee, she has helped visitors understand the long-standing presence of Indigenous communities connected to this area, offering a broader perspective on the history of De Leon Springs.

Come Feel the Layers of This Place

This Women’s History Month, De Leon Springs invites you to explore a place shaped by both natural beauty and the people who have preserved its stories. To learn more about how we are celebrating the stories that shape America’s heritage, visit America250 at Adventures Unbound.