Orlando

Orlando, Florida: Considered one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, Orlando welcomes over 51 million visitors a year. Visitor’s flock to Orlando to enjoy theme parks, cultural attractions and of course the Florida sunshine. It's central location in the middle of the state also makes it a popular vacation option for Floridians as well.

Like much of Florida, Orlando was originally inhabited by Native American Indians. The Timucua and Tocobago were the prevalent tribes found in Central Florida during these years.

It wasn’t until the late 1830’s that a permanent settlement would come to the area. The first settlement was a fort built by the US Army. Fort Gatlin was built to help protect settlers from Indian attacks.

With protection in place, a settlement would follow. Cattle rancher Aaron Jerrigan settled here and the community of Jerrigan was established. More settlers moved to Jerrigan and the first post office was opened in 1850.

Jerrigan continued to grow and in 1857, the town was renamed Orlando. There is no official record as to why the town name was changed to Orlando or whom the town was named after. One of the most common stories is that the town was named after Orlando Reeves who lost his life in the Seminole Wars. Orlando was incorporated as a city in 1875 with a population of 85 residents.

Orlando grew rapidly following the World War I and quickly became Florida’s largest inland city. The housing boom would continue through the late 1920’s when hurricanes and the Great Depression would slow the growth of the region.

But Orlando wouldn’t stay quiet long as the city returned to life during World War II as Orlando Army Air Base and Pine Castle Army Air Base were at the front of the war effort. Pine Castle Army Air Base was home to the 9th Bombardment Group which flew the B-17 Flying Fortress, B-24 Liberator, B-25 Mitchell and B-26 Marauder. In addition to the Bombardment Group, Orlando was also home to training wings and an air defense operations. Military presence would remain strong in Orlando until 1975.

Orlando would take its place as tourism capital in 1971 with the opening of Walt Disney World. While Disney World is not in the city of Orlando, its close proximity to Orlando would greatly increase the number of visitors to the region. Shortly after Disney World opened, Sea World Orlando would open in the city in 1973. The theme park would increase again in 1990 with the opening of Universal Orlando. In addition to theme parks, Orlando’s International Drive features many museums and attraction that attract visitors. 

Orlando is home to one professional sports team, the Orlando Magic basketball team as well as Division 1 NCAA athletics with the UCF Golden Knights.

Many of Orlando’s visitors arrive to Orlando via Orlando International Airport. The second busiest airport in the state, Orlando International receives over 300 flights a day. 39 airlines connect travelers with almost 100 destinations worldwide. Many more visitor’s arrive to Orlando via nearby Orlando-Sanford International Airport, Amtrak or by car.

So whether you are looking for the thrills of a theme park or the cultural experience of a museum, it is all available to enjoy in Orlando.

Click on the photos above to view my Orlando photo gallery.

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