From the 1800's forward, horse and buggy carried goods to trains or boats for travel from the center of the state to shipping areas like Palatka. With few roads, buggies, trains, and boats effectively transported mail, supplies, and people. Rail tracks and rail beds can still be found throughout Silver Springs State Park. Silver Springs remained a hub for business, but tourism eventually became the biggest use for the remaining rails and several generations of glass bottom boats. Boats like the Okeehumkee carried workers, tourists, supplies, mail, and livestock via the Silver River, making travel easier and shorter than a difficult journey by foot or wagon through palmetto and swamp.