Orlando History

Discover the stories that shaped our city

From pioneering settlers and visionary civic leaders to iconic landmarks and hidden historical gems, Orlando's past is rich with fascinating tales. These are the people who built our community, the buildings that defined our skyline, the bridges that connected us, the lakes that shaped our landscape, and the moments that transformed a small town into the vibrant city we know today. Through historical accounts and archival discoveries, we preserve and share the stories behind the places and faces that made Orlando extraordinary.

Dolly Parton in Orlando: The Show We Lost and the Legacy That Stayed

Dolly Parton died Aug. 25th at 80. Inside her real Orlando history: the Vineland Ave. dinner show, Flight 925 and books still arriving locally.

The Metcalf Building Has Outlived a Bank, a Boom, and a Dive Bar

The Metcalf Building has anchored downtown Orlando since 1923: bank tower, Disney's secret office, dive bar landmark. Inside its next chapter.

Lee’s Lakeside Ruled Lake Eola for 20 Years, and Orlando Still Hasn’t Gotten Over It

Lee's Lakeside ruled downtown Orlando dining at Lake Eola for 20 years. The story of Lee Rose, the flaming desserts, and what took over the space.

The Cheyenne Saloon & Opera House Was Orlando’s Answer to Nashville. It’s Still Standing.

Cheyenne Saloon & Opera House put downtown Orlando on national TV for eight years. The oak, the barbecue, the boom, the bust and what is left.

Uncle John’s Pancake House Fed Orlando Until 3 A.M.

Uncle John's Pancake House sold 49-cent unlimited pancakes until 3 a.m. on East Colonial Drive. Nobody wrote down the day Orlando lost it.

Orange Court Hotel: Orlando’s Lost Hotel with a Heated Pool and Its Own Orange Grove

The Orange Court Hotel had an orange grove, a heated indoor pool, and 66 years at Orange and Colonial. How Orlando lost it, and what survived.

Whatever Happened to Kemp’s Coliseum? Orlando’s Forgotten Dance Hall, Rink, and Rock Venue

Kemp's Coliseum on N. Orange Ave. hosted big bands, The Who and 50 years of Orlando memories, until a 1972 fire ended an era.

Bishop Office Equipment: The Orlando Original That Anchored East Colonial Drive for 60 Years

Bishop Office Equipment anchored East Colonial Drive from 1937 to 1998. The full story of Orlando's oldest office company and the building it left behind.