This community is located in the south western part of Union County. It was noted for its famous medicinal spring water and swimming, and picnic facilities in the late 1800's to early 1900's. It was named for Sam Worthington who settled there in the early 1800's before the Indian wars. Owners of the springs have been: Wm. Lastinger, Tommy Jones (married Jane Worthington), Captain Green Hodges, I.F. Lamb, James H. Cason II, and others.
Through the years, there have been several large homes in Worthington. People came from far away to live at the springs, drink of the healthful water, and to bathe in the cooling waters of the pool. During the early days, a wall divided the pool in two parts - one side for the men and the other for the women - so as to avoid scandalous talk. Swimming was strictly segregated. Men always had certain hours to swim, and then the women would swim at their appointed times. A woman's bonnet was hung on a high pole while women were engaged in swimming so that the men would know not to swim. When the Lamb family bought the Springs in 1906, he built a large concrete pool with a deep part and a shallow section for wading. For several years, the springs ceased to flow, and there was no activity at this famous resort of days gone by.
The iron, wooden bridge was built across the Santa Fe River in 1908, and the present concrete bridge was erected in 1937. Years ago, an annual occasion was the celebration of the Fourth of July when several thousand people would converge at the springs for picnic, swimming, politics, and just plain visiting'. During the celebration, a horse and buggy would be hitched to every tree for miles around this small community. A special train ran from Jacksonville to bring people for this annual event.
Worthington Springs was incorporated in 1961. This was very beneficial to the community. As a result of this incorporation, street lights were installed, a nice playground and park were in continuous use, and a beautiful new Community Center was built in 1975. The Community Center also serves as City Hall and is an asset to the village.
