The Town of Orlando was incorporated on the day, July 31 in 1875 with only 85 inhabitants.
Orlando is one of the most well know, and most visited cities in the world, and its came a long way in its 148 years.
When Orlando was incorporated back in 1875 it had less than 100 inhabitants. Fast forward 148 ears, and Orlando now has a fast growing population of over 2.5 million.
It's the the sixth largest area in the Southern States, the third largest metropolitan area in Florida. the fourth largest city in Florida, oh and it's an awesome place to live!
The City of Orlando is nicknamed "The City Beautiful" and its symbol is the gorgeous fountain at Lake Eola in Downtown Orlando.
Here is the history of Orlando.
Orlando’s history dates back to 1838 and the height of the Seminole Wars. The U.S. Army built Fort Gatlin south of the present day Orlando City limits to protect settlers from attacks by Indians.
By 1840, a small community had grown up around the Fort. It was known as Jernigan, named after the Jernigan family, who had established the first permanent settlement in the area. Jernigan had a post office, established May 30, 1850.
Six years later with the settlement expanding northward, the community officially changed its name to Orlando.
In 1857, the U.S. Post Office adopted the name change. The Town of Orlando was incorporated on July 31 in 1875 with 85 inhabitants, 22 of whom were qualified voters.
History is not as clear on where the name Orlando originated. There are four stories that are told. One involves Judge James Speer, who worked hard in getting Orlando as the county seat, naming Orlando after a man who once worked for him. Another is that Speer named it after a character from Shakespeare’s, “As You Like It”.
A third version has Mr. Orlando on his way to Tampa with a caravan of ox. It is said that he got ill, died and was buried, and that folks would come by and say, “There lies Orlando”
The final theory is about a company of soldiers on duty during the height of the Seminole Wars. After battling Indians back into the swamps on the east side of Lake Minnie (now Cherokee), the military troop settled there for the night. Sentinel Orlando Reeves was guarding the camp when he spotted a log floating toward him. Recognizing the Indian disguise and wanting to warn his fellow soldiers, he fired his gun.Arrowsfelled the poor fellow as the Indians came out to ambush the camp. The Indians were chased back again, and the south side of Lake Eola was chosen to bury Orlando Reeves.
Thank you to the City of Orlando for the historical information.
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