Sykesville, or Sikesville

An 1864 map of North Florida, produced by the United States Coast Survey Office, shows an unknown community called Sykesville, situated somewhere along the east bank of the Suwannee River, north of Fort Fanning. Gilchrist County historian types have never heard of this place.

Some sleuthing at the BLM General Land Office reveals the sale of two 80 acre parcels to a William G Sikes in 1859. Both of these parcels are located ESE of Hart Springs, as we know it now, and situated on the old road between Fort Fanning and Wannee.

Now we know the location of Sykesville/Sikesville, and at least some of that story.