Trilacoochee, Florida facts for kids
Trilacoochee is a small place in the northeast part of Pasco County, Florida, United States. It's not a city with its own government, but a community where people live. It's located where two big roads, US 301 and US 98, meet and travel together for a bit. A group called the "Greater Trilby Community Association" works to make life better for people in Trilacoochee and nearby areas like Trilby and Lacoochee. The mail code for Trilacoochee is 33523, which it shares with Dade City.
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Where is Trilacoochee?
Trilacoochee is surrounded by other places. To its northwest is Trilby, and to its northeast is Lacoochee. Blanton is to the west, and the Green Swamp is to the east. To the south, you'll find Dade City.
A Look at Trilacoochee's Past
Trilacoochee was once known by a different name: Owensboro Junction. This name came from a very important spot where two major railroad lines crossed paths. These lines were first built by different companies, the South Florida Railroad (around 1884-1885) and the Florida Railway and Navigation Company (in 1887). Over time, these lines became part of bigger railroad systems like the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad and the Seaboard Air Line.
Early Growth and Industries
As the railroads grew, so did the community. Owensboro Junction soon had its own school and even two post offices. A shingle mill, which made roof shingles from wood, was also built. In 1907, people discovered clay deposits nearby. This led to the creation of a brick yard and a kiln, where bricks were made.
How Trilacoochee Got Its Name
In the 1920s, a new housing area was started. It was called Trilcoochee Gardens because it was located right between the towns of Trilby and Lacoochee. By the 1930s, the whole community started being called Trilcoochee. Then, in the 1940s, the spelling "Trilacoochee" became more common, and that's the name we use today.
Roads and Highways
Important changes happened with the roads in the late 1940s. A state highway, which later became SR 35, was moved to a new path. Then, US 301 took over this route. A large bridge was built by the Atlantic Coast Line railroad over the other tracks and the new road. The old parts of the road are now called Old Trilby Road. In 1952, US 98 was extended through Pasco County. It joined US 301 in Trilacoochee, and they traveled together south towards Dade City. Since then, this road has been home to many local businesses like farms, restaurants, and car repair shops.
The Railroads Change
In 1967, the two main railroad companies, the Atlantic Coast Line and the Seaboard Air Line, joined together to form the Seaboard Coast Line Railroad. This merger meant the old railroad crossing in Trilacoochee became less important. During the 1970s, some of the tracks were removed. By 1989, more tracks and the big train bridge were taken down.
What Remains Today
The path where the Atlantic Coast Line tracks used to be is now the start of the Withlacoochee State Trail. This is a popular trail for walking and biking. The remaining railroad line is now known as the CSX's Wildwood Subdivision.
