City history
Explore the historical journey of Orlando, from its indigenous roots and citrus-growing origins to its evolution into a world-renowned tourism destination.
Chapter one
Earliest documented name
"Not documented"
The specific indigenous name for the exact site of modern Orlando is not reliably documented, but the region was part of the territory inhabited by the Timucua people.
Named after Orlando Reeves
Local legend suggests the city was named in honor of a soldier who heroically defended a flag during the American Civil War.
Chapter two
The implementation of standard time zones across the United States replaced varying local solar times, officially integrating Orlando into the Eastern Time zone.
The United States first implemented daylight saving time during World War I to conserve energy, a practice that Orlando now follows seasonally.
Chapter three
The City of Orlando was officially incorporated, establishing a formal municipal government and providing the structure needed for organized local growth.
The arrival of the railroad connected Orlando to larger markets, revolutionizing the local economy by enabling the efficient transport of citrus.
The growth of the citrus industry became a cornerstone of the local economy, driving much of the early settlement and commerce in the area.
The opening of major theme parks transformed Orlando from a quiet citrus town into a major global destination, changing local rhythms forever.