Ponce de León display at the Fountain of Youth
Not necessarily historical fact, but as the story goes, Ponce de León was searching for the Fountain of Youth when he set out on his journey that brought him to our shores. It’s not recorded that he ever found the fountain, but he became forever attached to the legend. Ever since that time stories have been passed on about many of the natural springs found in Florida.
Those of us exploring Florida today will find the Fountain of Youth National Archaeological Park. The park is located at the spot where Ponce de León and his men were said to have landed. The park was created in 1904 by Luella Day McConnell, who contributed to the idea that this was the original Fountain of Youth.
Having wondered about the Fountain of Youth stories as far back as I can remember I was excited to check out the Florida landmark. When I arrived I just let my childhood belief emerge, so that I could fully appreciate the experience. With an open mind to the possibility that this magic liquid would give years back just by taking a drink, I had a moment of fun as I took a swig from the fountain.
I have to admit I haven’t noticed any changes from the outside just yet. However, I feel that on the inside something changed. From the short time I spent visiting the Fountain of Youth Park and reading about its history, I thought about just how cool it would be if the fountain really was the real thing and the legends were all true. Maybe taking a drink from the fountain didn’t give me back literal years, but it did give me many hours of being reminded of my youth.
That alone was worth the sip.