Green Cove Springs in Clay County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Lynyrd Skynyrd Hell House Site
Ronnie Van Zant’s Dock
This land was purchased in 2021 by Adam Hartle's non profit. Special thanks to author/historian Bob Kealing.
Erected 2023 by Adam Hartle's Non-Profit.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1970.
Location. Marker has been reported missing. It was located near 30° 2.117′ N, 81° 43.303′ W. Marker was in Green Cove Springs, Florida, in Clay County. Marker could be reached from Southern Oaks Drive, half a mile north of County Route 209. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Green Cove Springs FL 32043, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies. Camp Chowenwaw (approx. 0.6 miles away); St. Margaret's Episcopal Church and Cemetery (approx. 2.7 miles away); Augusta Savage - Sculptor, Teacher, Civil Rights Activist (approx. 3.3 miles away); William Bartram Scenic Highway (approx. 3.4 miles away); William Bartram Trail (approx. 3½ miles away); Hickory Grove Baptist Church and Cemetery (approx. 3.7 miles away); Old Clay County Courthouse (approx. 3.8 miles away); Dedicated To Those Who Served (approx. 3.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Green Cove Springs.
More about this marker. Marker is located in the gated community of Edgewater Landing. Access is limited by the gate, which is not staffed. Marker is located on Peter's Creek with text facing the creek.
Also see . . .
1. Lynyrd Skynyrd Sites Around Jacksonville. (Submitted on February 12, 2023, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida.)
2. Hartle’s dream fulfilled; Lynyrd Skynyrd’s history preserved at Hell House site. 2023 article by Don Coble in Clay Today. Excerpt:
“I didn’t want this to be some dude’s backyard,” he said when his nonprofit foundation completed the purchase. “I’m a Jacksonville boy and just want this place to stay special.”(Submitted on October 27, 2023.)
He promised his neighbors the land would be home only to the mossy live oaks, alligators and snakes. Since he believed in the sanctity of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s legacy, Hartle said he would only have a historical marker implanted near the dock, just a few steps away from where the original building once stood.
Additional commentary.
1. Access to the site
It appears that the only access is through a gated community. Have I missed something? There does not seem to be a way to request access. I don’t like to “tailgate” behind someone that has opened the gate to pass. I try to respect privacy and laws.
But it seems inconsiderate to restrict access to something like this. I can understand the subdivision’s desire to protect the privacy of the residents. But, I feel there should be a solution that does not deny access to those that are fans.
Editor’s response: I hear you. But the marker has to be where it is, where they actually created their music. And then, unfortunately for you and me, the subdivision grew up around it. Maybe it’s only supposed to be accessible by boat. After all, the text faces the creek. /JJP
— Submitted October 15, 2023, by Kevin Anderson of Fleming Island, Florida.
2.
We placed the marker so it could be read while going by in a boat. The HOA wouldn't allow it otherwise. Even still there has been a lot of pushback from some of the residents.
— Submitted October 29, 2023, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida.
3. Thank you, cultural preservation is pivotal and especially for places that would be lost to time
I’ve visited here twice. It is so inspirational. Beautiful too.
It’s also worthwhile to visit the train overpass between the Hellhouse plot and Russell Road. Careful if you do as it’s a very active line. I made my way through the brush and was able to access the bridge from Russell Road.
I’m wondering if that’s the same location of the bridge photo used for the front of the Nuthin’ Fancy jacket? If so it appears the bridge has been replaced.
It’s awesome to be there, take it all in, and hear a whistle-blowing engine-roaring train run on through. And it’s not uncommon to catch two trains per hour during the day time. Obviously the band was all about that — as the lyrics and song titles fully reflect.
But standing on site on 11/24/23, I notice the marker/plaque is missing. Dock pulled, too. Maybe for winter care?? If it was stolen, well as they sang, “When I come back here next year / I want to see you again”
— Submitted November 24, 2023, by Dennis
Pelowski of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 5, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 11, 2023, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. This page has been viewed 17,759 times since then and 4,114 times this year. Last updated on October 29, 2023, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. It was the Marker of the Week October 29, 2023. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 11, 2023, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. 3. submitted on February 12, 2023, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. 4. submitted on May 5, 2024, by Michelle Mcfarlane of Goose Creek, South Carolina. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.