When the second Seminole war ended in 1842, American settlers began following soldiers into Central Florida. Originally named Jernigan after Aaron Jernigan who came from Georgia in 1843, the town's name was permanently changed to Orlando in 1857. The name is credited to Orlando Reeves, a U.S. soldier who was killed in 1835 by an Indian's arrow while on duty at Lake Minnie, today known as Lake Cherokee. He was later buried at what is now Lake Eola Park in Downtown Orlando. For many years Downtown Orlando was cow country. In 1857, Robert Ivey, a soldier in the Seminole wars, settled on 640 acres near Lake Eola which his cattle used as a watering hole. In 1873 Jacob Summerlin, known as the "Cattle King of Florida," bought 200 acres around and including Lake Eola. In July, 1875 by a vote of 22 men from the 85 residents, the City of Orlando was officially incorporated. The land for Lake Eola Park was donated to the City of Orlando in 1883 by Jacob Summerlin. Jacob's two sons, Robert and Samuel, are credited with giving the lake its name, Eola, after a lady they both knew.

For more information on the history of Downtown Orlando, visit:
Orange County Regional History Center
Only at the HISTORY CENTER in downtown Orlando can you travel back 12,000 years in time and fast-forward to today exploring the people, places and events that shape Central Florida. http://www.thehistorycenter.org
Orlando Hauntings
Orlando Hauntings is Orlando's ORIGINAL Ghost Tour. The 90-minute walking tour features ""true"" ghost stories and thoroughly researched local history. Lantern in hand and clad in period costume, guides will lead you on a fun and educational journey for all ages. http://www.orlandohauntings.com
Orlando Public Library
The Orlando Public Library is the headquarters and resource center for the Orange County Library System. The 290,000 square foot downtown Orlando facility is the largest public library building in the state of Florida.
Click for Library Info
Historic Preservation Board
(Updates coming soon...)
Orlando Remembers
(Updates coming soon...)

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