Moncrief Springs, originally known as Moncrief's springs or Moncrief Spring, is a natural spring near Jacksonville, Florida in Duval County, Florida. Mythology about its history, a park, and resort area developed around it.
According to legend, it is named for Eugene Moncrief, a pawnbroker who immigrated to Florida and settled in the area. An 1876 report touted a visit to the springs and its reported health benefits.[1]
Plans to establish a pleasure park at the springs connected by electric tram to the city were announced in 1903.[2] An ice cream company named for the springs incorporated in 1921.[3]
Moncrief Spring Park is named for the spring. A five-mile race between a Cadillac and one of the first biplanes to visit the area was held.[4]
During Peter Jones' tenure as mayor of Jacksonville a hotel and resort was developed by the spring. A horse track and bowling alley were among amusements.[5] The resort lasted decades and the site was later used as a segregated public swimming facility for African Americans.[6]
Moncrief Park is now a neighborhood of Jacksonville. The neighborhood came after what was a short-lived horse racing track of the same name.[7] The American Derby was held at Moncrief Park.[7]: 2
The Moncrief Park neighborhood has seen economic ups and downs with public housing and road construction. In 2016 the Clara White Mission began raising crops there for a farm stand.[8][9]
30°22′10″N 81°40′59″W / 30.3694°N 81.6831°W / 30.3694; -81.6831