Orlando History

Orlando, once known solely for its cotton, cattle and citrus industries, has evolved tremendously to become one of the world's leading vacation destinations. Some highlights from the destination's evolution are listed below:

• Originally named Jernigan after Aaron Jernigan who came from Georgia and settled here in 1843, Orlando grew slowly around an old Army post - Fort Gatlin - that had been abandoned in 1849. The town's name was permanently changed to Orlando in 1857.
• Cuba's demand for beef cattle led to Orlando's growth in the cattle industry prior to 1863. With the growth came widespread cattle rustling.
• As more settlers began working the fields, the small community soon found itself located in the middle of a large cotton plantation. "Orange fever" took over in 1870, and Orlando's residents began planting seeds in the land that once yielded cotton.
• Orlando began taking steps toward becoming a world-class vacation and recreation mecca when Cypress Gardens Adventure Park opened its doors in 1936. Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom was next to open its gates in 1971. SeaWorld Orlando followed suit when it splashed open in 1973 and Universal Orlando opened its doors in 1990.
• While Orlando's tourism industry made headlines with the development of world-renowned theme parks, Orlando got on the fast track, becoming one of the country's leaders in the meetings and conventions industry.
• Orlando continues to grow, offering nearly 100 attractions, 112,000 hotel rooms and more than 5,300 restaurants, as well as the second largest convention center in the nation. Tourism has become the leading industry for Central Florida with approximately 50 million visitors annually and an economic impact of $29.6 billion.

Orlando History Timeline

The following contain attraction and facility opening dates sorted by year or category. If you need information on a venue that is not listed, please contact us at 407-354-5586 or media@orlandoinfo.com.

Sorted by Category | Sorted Chronologically