Orlando Savage Rees

Born1796
Died1852

Colonel Rees was a wealthy plantation owner from South Carolina. He led troops during the Seminole Wars into Florida, later purchasing a large farm in Volusia County.

He suffered major losses to his Florida holdings at the hands of the Seminoles. Some believe he is the namesake of the City of Orlando.

How did Orlando get its name?

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...