Orlando Car Rental Travel Guide - The History of Orlando

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Today, Orlando is a bustling metropolis brimming with Orlando car rentals and Mickey Mouse ears; bikinis and rollercoasters. But what was it like back in the day?

The city of Orlando boasts a complex history filled with mystery and intrigue, most of which surrounds the origin of the city's name. One thing is for certain; though, Orlando has grown to become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the entire world, attracting millions of visitors each year! If you're interested in learning more about the city of Orlando, please read on after you reserve your Orlando car rental.

The history of Orlando dates back to 1838, during the Seminole Wars. For those who are unfamiliar with American history, the Seminole Wars consisted of three separate campaigns as US settlers attempted to subdue the Seminole native group. At the height of the conflict, Seminole Chief Osceola murdered an Indian agent by the name of Wiley Thompson, setting off more than seven years of intense warfare. The Seminole Wars proved to be the most costly conflict of the Indian Wars, costing close to $30 million. Thousands of Seminole warriors and American soldiers were killed during these wars, which nearly distinguished the Seminole tribe.

During the wars, a fort was built just south of the present day Orlando city limits, called Fort Gatlin. This US Army base was used to help create a settlement area for local residents where they would be safe from enemy attacks. Within two years, a small community began to flourish around the fort, dedicated to raising cattle and growing cotton. The community was named Jernigan after the Jernigan family who had been the first permanent residents in the area. By 1850, Jernigan had prospered and expanded enough to warrant the establishment of a post office. For the next six years, Jernigan would continue to grow northward as more and more settlers were drawn to the warm Florida climate.

The Mysterious Origin of "Orlando"

In 1856, the community of Jernigan officially changed its name to Orlando. Where this name came from is uncertain, but there are a few theories ...

• The Judge Speer Theories
  

  Before Orlando was incorporated, a judge by the name of James Speer was hard at work promoting his community as the county seat. Two of the Orlando origin theories involve Judge Speer. Some believe that Speer named the community "Orlando" after a co-worker; others say he named it after his favorite character from William Shakespeare's play "As You Like It".

• The "There Lies Orlando" Theory
  

  A third theory involves an ox herder by the name of Orlando. Some say that Orlando was on his way from Jernigan to Tampa herding a caravan of oxen when he fell ill and died. From then on, folks would walk by the spot where Orlando had perished remarking "there lies Orlando". Eventually the name stuck and the land was christened after the fallen ox herder.

• The Sentinel Orlando Reeves Theory
  

  This final theory is by far the most common tale involving the origin of the Orlando name. According to legend, Sentinel Orlando Reeves was a soldier in the Second Seminole War. Positioned on what is now known as Lake Eola, Orlando's job was to act as a look-out, alerting the soldiers if he saw anything suspicious. One night, it is said that Orlando spotted what looked at first like a log drifting across the lake. Orlando was quick to realize that the form floating across the water was really a Seminole Indian planning to ambush the camp. Orlando quickly alerted the camp, saving his fellow soldiers from certain slaughter. During the ensuing battle, it is believed that Sentinel Orlando Reeves was shot and killed by a Seminole arrow. In honor of their fallen comrade, volunteer soldiers who stayed to make the area their home named their "Orlando." Today, by no coincidence, the major newspaper in Orlando is named The Orlando Sentinel.

Over the years Orlando has had its fair share of ups and downs. In fact, by the late 19th century, the city was extremely close to economic ruin. Local settlers were forced to give up their cotton plantations and turn to a different type of farming ... citrus. Citrus and cow herding became the town's livelihood until a man by the name of Walt Disney visited the city in the 1960's. Walt Disney World opened in 1971 and has since become the world's largest theme park.

If you would like further information about the history of Orlando, please be sure to drive your Orlando car rental over to the Orange County Regional History Center. It is home to the Historical Society of Central Florida's varied and extensive collections. Located in the restored 1927 Orange County Courthouse in downtown Orlando, The History Center is continuously distinguished as the area's best museum. A wealth of information can be found in the Center's changing and permanent exhibits, each of which is delivered in a dynamic, interactive fashion. From guided tours to fun-packed children's summer camps, learning is fun for all ages. Additionally, History Center members can take advantage of a number of special value-added benefits, including discounts and exclusive event opportunities.

Our Orlando car rental company is proud to be a part of Orlando's ever-lasting history. If you will be visting our city and haven't done so yet, please reserve your Orlando car rental today!