The first European settlers arrived in what is now known as Orlando in 1536.

 

In 1838 during the first Seminnole war, when the Seminole indian tribe had lived on the land, the white settlers built Fort Gatlin to protect themselves from the Seminoles.  However, the Seminoles were feirce in their rebellion and would not be defeated, so in 1842, they were offered a treaty, given land and promised peace.  

 

Originally, Orlando was known as Jernigan.  The city was given this name from its first permanent settler, Aaron Jernigan.  He was a cattleman who obtained the land along Lake Holden in accordance with the terms of the Armed Occupation Act of 1842.  The Armed Occupation Act offered 160 acres of land to anyone willing to settle in the area for a minimum of 5 years.

 

In 1843, the area surrounding Jernigan that had been known as Mosquito County was renamed to Orange County.  The Territorial General Legislature petitioned Congress for statehood, and on March 3, 1845, President John Tyler signed a bill making Florida the 27th state.

 

While it is not certain how the city came to be known by Orlando, the local legend is that the name Orlando originated from a soldier named Orlando Reeves who died in 1835 while warning  his fellow troops of an incoming attack by the Seminole Native Americans during the Second Seminole War.  It is said that Reeves and his fellow soldiers had set up camp for the night at what is now known as Lake Eola, and he had seen them from across the lake, and heeded warning to his fellow soldiers just before they attacked.  A memorial stands beside Lake Eola to designate where the city's namesake had fallen.

 

Though the theory of how Jernigan came to be known as Orlando is uncertain, it is known that Jernigan became Orlando in 1857.

In 1856, Orlando became the county seat of the newly found Orange County.  On July 31, 1875, Orlando was incorporated as a town, and held 85 inhabitants.  In 1885, Orlando was incorporated as a city.

 

In the early days after its incorporation, Orlando was known for its cattle breeding and cotton growing.  

During the 1880s, some of the pioneers around the area started growing citrus trees, and a demand for citrus growers and sprung. Transportation was needed to citrus markets, and by 1881, Orlando had its first rail lines.  By 1886, the city's growth had peaked and the streets were lined with office buildings, churches, hotels and schools.  During the summer months, tourists from the north began to come visit the area.

 

Unfortunately, in 1894, a three day freeze struck Orlando, and destroyed their citrus crops.  This devistating freeze caused losses of profit estaimated to be about $100 million.  Many people lost their jobs  and it took about 15 years for Orlando's economy to recover.

 

Orlando had a comeback between 1910 and 1920.

The population doubled and the city went from being a rural citrus growing community to a major city.  A boom in construction in the 1920s helped Orlando to prosper even further, and in 1923, they opened the Orlando Public Library.  In 1926, they opened the Municipal Auditorium (what is now known as Bob Carr Auditorium).

 

In 1944, the Great Depression of the 1930s was not so devistating anymore,  President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal helped the state climb back on its feet.  A substantial raise in infrastructure was aided by the federal government's Works Progress Administration programs.  

The Municipal Airport was upgraded, a new football stadium at Tinker field was built, and there was lots of park development.  

This created many new jobs for the citizens of Orlando, and put 40,000 unemployed Floridians back to work.  The construction brought the tourist trade back to life, and the state began attracting a more broad range of visitors, however the event that finally lifted Florida - and the rest of the nation- out of the Great Depression was World War II.

 

Following World War II, another building boom brought fourth new suburbs, new roadways and new shopping centers.  In 1956, the Martin Marietta company (now known as Lockheed-Martin) opened a plant close by, and began operations, soon becoming the largest employer in Central Florida.  Gradually many more companies followed to expand their buisness to Florida, and with that came many more opportunities for workers.

 

It was in 1964 that Walt Disney began secretly buying up millions of dollars worth of Central Florida farmland at remarkably high prices.  Rumors spread throughout Florida as to who would need so much land and had the money to acquire it.  On November 15, 1965 they discovered the reason, and the day was nicknamed "D Day".  

 

Walt Disney arrived in town and announced his plans to build the world's most spectacular theme park that would be "bigger and better than Disneyland".  Over the next two years, Disney employed 9,000 people and land speculation soared to unprecedented heights.  

Hotel chains and resturaunts acted quickly to grab up available property near the proposed theme park.  By the opening of the park in October 1971, the project had reached $400 million.  When the doors opened, numerous celebrities including Bob Hope and Julie Andrews took part in the opening ceremonines, and Mickey Mouse escorted the first visitor into the Magic Kingdom.

 

Within 2 years, Disney World had employed 13,000 people and drew in over 20 million visitors.  Orlando had become the Action Center of Florida and the fastest growing  city in the state.  With the development of Walt Disney world, a construction boom came to Orlando.  Apartment buildings, hotels, motels, banks, commercial shopping areas, and tourist related businesses rushed to buy available land.  

 

In 1972 Orlandos Municipal Justice Building was erected, and in 1973 Sea world of Florida was built.  As Walt Disney World continued to grow and expand, additional attractions were built, and  hundreds of firms relocated their businesses to the area.  

In 1982, the Eipcot Center was built and tourism increased substantially, and in 1989, the town of Orlando was officially recognized as one of the world's most popular vacation sites when the Disney-MGM Studios theme park was opened, and followed by more than a dozen resorts, a shopping, dining and entertainment district, campgrounds, and a vast amount of recreational facilities.  

In 1998, Disney opened Animal Kingdom which was dedicated to zoological entertainment.

 

In 1999, Universal Orlando opened a second theme park called Islands of Adventure.  This park includes attractions dedicated to Dr. Seuss, Marvel Comics, and Jurassic Park.  In addition to opening a second theme park, Universal Orlando opened the Portofino Bay Hotel, which is a 750 room Loews property.  In 2000, Seaworld opened its $100 million sister park, Discovery Cove, which allows visitors the chance to swim with the dolphins.  In 2005, in honor of Disneyland's 50th anniversary, Disney world unveiled new shows, services, rides and attractions.  

 

Dinseys year of a Million Dreams brought Expedition Everest, which is Animals Kingdoms first thrill ride, and soon after was the opening of Cinderellas Castle, where visitors can stay overnight inside of the Magic Kingdom.  Disneys year of a million dreams continued into 2008, when Disney-MGM Studios became Disneys Hollywood Studios, and many more new shows and attractions debuted.  

These include Toy Story Mania, and a Disneyesque version of American Idol.  Shortly after, Aquatica, which is Sea Worlds eco-themed water park opened.  In 2009, Manta, an undersea thriller ride debuted at SeaWorld, and at Universal Studios the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit,

which is a combination rock concert, music video, and coaster ride opened.  Also in 2009, Disney kicked off a celebration named What Will You Celebrate, and offered free admission to a single disney park for guests visiting on their birthday.

 

In 2010, Universal Orlando added the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure.  Also that year, Disney inspired visitors to give back to the community with the Give a Day Get a Disney Day program.  This program rewarded volunteers with a free day at a Disney theme park for their efforts. 

 

In 2011, Discovery Cove expanded its lineup of attractions, these included the opening of the Grand Reef and Gatorland.  They now offer a walking tour that takes guests along a series of underwater pathways.

 

As the economy continues to grow, construction continues and there is new things added to the parks every year.

Orlando holds many fascinating places to see and things to do, with more being added all the time.  Now its time to go experience it for yourself, and while you are here, come check out HRC Orlando and get a custom hair piece !