For centuries, rumors of a hidden volcano nestled in the dense swamps of Florida have intrigued and puzzled scientists, but some meteorologists are regurgitating old theories to explain the swampy, smoky, phenomenon.
The sight of smoke columns rising from the impenetrable Wakulla jungle in the state's northwest has been documented since the 1800s, according to Click Orlando.
This legend, known as the 'Wakulla Swamp Volcano,' is unexpected. The geological conditions needed for a volcano simply don't exist there. There's no hot spot, spreading ridge, or subduction zone, allowing room for plenty of urban legend explanations. But one meteorologist thinks he knows what's behind the centuries-old mystery.
News 6 Chief Meteorologist Tom Sorrells weighed in on the mystery, telling the Daily Mail : "Among the various theories surrounding the enigmatic smoke, I am inclined to favor the idea of fire as the most plausible explanation," as more recent theories suggest a peat fire might be the source.
He further explained, "The tectonic plate responsible for volcanic phenomena in the Eastern Caribbean is situated far south of Cuba, extending westward to include Costa Rica. Given the absence of such bubbling volcanic activity in Florida, it becomes challenging to accept the possibility of recent volcanic events, particularly as late as the 1800s," according to Click Orlando .
"On the contrary, instances of fire in Florida are abundant. It is not uncommon for fires to be ignited repeatedly by thunderstorms, and the presence of a peat fire that burned, then smoldered while nearly extinguished, or perhaps several fires over the ages appear to be a more reasonable explanation," he added.
While volcanoes in the US are typically found on the western side of the continent, if you dig deep enough almost anywhere in the world, you'll find evidence of ancient volcanic activity - and Florida is no exception, according to Volcano Cafe .
The legend gained popularity in the 1860s when newspapers and magazines started reporting on the phenomenon and its potential causes.
Some speculated during the Civil War that it might have been a signal used by deserters hiding in the swamps to communicate with Union blockade ships. Other theories at the time included moonshiners, hermits, lightning strikes, a possible geyser, and a boiling spring deep within the swamp.
Reports have traced the origin of the smoke to an area southeast of Tallahassee and west of the Aucilla river, approximately 5 miles from the coast. This places it near the border between Wakulla and Jefferson counties, possibly within or just west of the current Aucilla Wildlife Management Area, along road 59.
The location was once a vast swamp, spanning 25 miles, through which the Wacissa river flowed. The ancient forest that once stood there was clear-cut in the 1930s and is still recovering.
A 1974 article from the Tallahassee Democrat noted that only a few people had ventured to the area since the earthquake due to its remote location. An expedition launched in the 1870s to solve the mystery, which ended tragically, likely deterred many explorers.
The New York Herald Tribune launched an expedition consisting of three guides and a single journalist, historian Charlie Carlson told Click Orlando. However, after battling through alligator-infested, uncharted terrain for three days, the mission was called off.
Carlson recounted how one guide fell from a tree while trying to survey the area, and the reporter later succumbed to swamp fever, now known as malaria.
Meanwhile, theories about the mysterious smoke continued to circulate, with suggestions ranging from secret pirate settlements to illicit moonshine distilleries.
The legend became so ingrained in local folklore that an "epic poem" was crafted, narrating the tale of Osola, a boy born of a Wakulla water spirit and Native American Chief Wacissa. The poem suggests that Osola was tasked with keeping a fire burning so that Wacissa could find his way home - a possible explanation for the enigmatic smoke.
State Librarian W. T. Cash, when questioned about the supposed volcano in the 1930s, suggested that a mass of peat or vegetation might have ignited and smoldered, causing the smoke. While marshes and peat bogs do occasionally experience such slow, smoldering fires, it would be unusual for one to burn for such an extended period.
The so-called Wakulla Swamp Volcano seemed to cease activity after the 1886 Charleston Earthquake, which was felt across middle Florida. Some people speculated that the ground's shaking had sealed any geological formation that had opened up to produce the smoke.
However, others continued their search for answers, even into the 20th century.
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