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Orlando - Florida - History |
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In
1835, Orlando Reeves, an American volunteer soldier, was on
his post which was located on what is now Lake Eola. Reeves noticed what
appeared to be a small log drifting on the lake. Once he realized it was
an Indian sneaking up on the camp, he gave the alarm and alerted his
company. In gratitude, the volunteer soldiers who stayed to make the area
their home named the town for their comrade. In
1860, Orlando had become a small town devoted to raising cattle and
growing cotton. When the Civil War broke out, it was hard on the
settlement, taking away men and much needed money from the township and
causing the fragile economy to flounder. The cotton market was hit hard,
with no one around to harvest and deliver the crops. As if this wasn't
enough, in 1871 a large rain storm destroyed what was left of the cotton
crops
Union
soldiers who
fought in the Civil War returned home with tales of the fabulous
land. They marveled about the crystal clear water, bubbling springs and
golden juicy oranges bigger
than a fist. Soldiers
returned to
this paradise and settled down to agriculture and other trades. The land
was painted with many faces. Land, water and rolling hills merged into one
vast expanse of opportunity. Tropical temperatures, lush foliage, gigantic
trees, numerous lakes, rivers and springs complemented the area. Spanish
architecture next to cattle ranches with citrus groves spreading toward
the sea promised euphoria to all that came. Hurricanes, the depression and
the Mediterranean fruit fly played havoc upon this golden treasure. After
World War II, Florida regained its popularity and rebounded to prosperity.
1871
the town survived on cattle and an increasing amount of citrus farming.
That was what Walt Disney discovered in the 1960's as he quietly bought up
farmland for what was to become the world's largest theme park. 1971
the swamp was gone and the gates were opened to another world. Walt Disney
World's Magic Kingdom literally put Orlando on the map. Myriads of theme
parks opened in Orlando, forever changing the flavor of Orlando. Escape
to a fantasy dreamland where all your dreams can come true. Walt Disney
World is synonymous with Orlando and at times seems overpowering.
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Archaeological
sites have found evidence of prehistoric American Indian tribes and
ancient seas that once covered the land. The Spanish invasion in the 16th
century brought cattle to the area and that influence is still evident
today. The herds roamed the scrublands and adapted to the terrain.
Lucrative cattle ranches prospered and became economically viable. By the 1800's
the railroad made accessibility to the area fast, safe and economical.
Transportation to the golden land increased the tourist movement and
attracted wealthy patrons. Glorious mansions and historic buildings;
Victorian Gothic styles mixed with ultra modern make up the landscape of
the area.
During
the ranching boom the word "cracker" described the inhabitants
of the region. The word "cracker" originated from the use of
whips on herding cattle as the whip cracked when snapped. Later the term
described the lifestyle of residents in central Florida. A great part of
this scrubland became the Ocala National Forest. 
