the Civil War is controversial, as some sources suggest that he may have had connections to smuggling and profiteering during this time․ However, after the war, Drew rebounded and continued to build his business empire;
In the 1860s٫ Drew sought to expand his lumber operations and decided to establish a new town along the banks of the Withlacoochee River in what is now Madison County٫ Florida․ He named the town Ellaville٫ in honor of his long-time servant٫ Ella․ The town quickly grew and became a thriving mill town with a sawmill operated by the Drew n Bucki Lumber Company․
The town of Ellaville was home to a diverse community, with workers and their families living in company-owned housing․ The town had its own school, general store, and other amenities to support the growing population․ It was a bustling, prosperous town during its heyday․
However, the town’s fortunes began to decline in the early 1900s․ Several factors contributed to its downfall․ The timber resources in the area became depleted٫ leading to the closure of the sawmill․ Additionally٫ the impacts of the two World Wars had a significant impact on rural communities like Ellaville٫ as many young men enlisted in the military and left the area․ The post office٫ a vital lifeline for the community٫ closed its doors in 1942٫ marking the final blow for the town․
Today, Ellaville stands as a ghost town, with many abandoned buildings and remnants of its former glory․ The ruins of the sawmill can still be seen on the west side of the Withlacoochee River, and the Drew Mansion, once an elegant two-story mansion surrounded by formal gardens, was tragically destroyed by fire in 1970․
Despite its decline, Ellaville still holds a place in history and remains a fascinating site to explore for those interested in Florida’s past․ The Suwannee River State Park Annex now encompasses the area where Ellaville once thrived, and visitors can wander its trails and discover the remnants of this ghost town; The park offers a unique blend of nature and history, allowing visitors to step back in time and imagine what life was like in the bustling mill town of Ellaville․
In conclusion, the ghost town of Ellaville in Madison County, Florida, tells a story of a once-thriving mill town that met its decline due to the depletion of timber resources and the impact of the two World Wars․ Today, it serves as a reminder of the past, with abandoned buildings and ruins that offer a glimpse into the town’s former glory․ Exploring the site allows visitors to connect with history and appreciate the resilience of rural communities in the face of adversity․