Over the past century, probably a hundred historians have debated the name origin of the City of Orlando. "So," I thought, "why not become 101?!" I will reveal some new tidbits and an angle not previously suggested. First, I'll lay...
Aaron Jernigan
Aaron Jernigan is a pivotal figure in Orlando’s history. As the area’s first white settler, he laid the foundation for the bustling metropolis it would become.
Born in Georgia in 1813, Jernigan moved to Central Florida in 1843, drawn by the promise of land and opportunity. He established his homestead near Lake Holden, not far from what would later become the town of Orlando.
Jernigan’s property served as a gathering place for early settlers, where they could trade, socialize, and receive their mail. In 1850, a post office was established on Jernigan’s land, further solidifying its role as a central hub. The settlement was initially named Jernigan but was later renamed Orlando in 1857 when it was made the county seat of Orange County.
How did Orlando get its name?
Was there really a Fort Concord?
Oral tradition says it was located on the northern shore of Lake Concord, essentially in the Home Depot parking lot. I spoke about the "fort" extensively in this post: Casselberry's original settlement, Concord. Some legends state that it was built...
Orlando’s Fort Gatlin and Council Oak
Historians have debated the location of the fabled landmark where Seminoles gathered. Let’s solve the puzzle. Background: Orange County was Seminole Territory Contrary to popular belief, the Seminoles were not natives of the Everglades. They didn’t even have a unified...