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.

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The Gloriously Stubborn 91-Year Story of Florida’s Bach Festival
There was no grand scheme to launch the Bach Festival as one of America's most enduring classical music institutions...
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Lake Eola’s Historic Lubbe House
The Lubbe House, built in 1930 on Lake Eola, is Orlando's last surviving lakefront home. Now the city is considering demolition for park expansion.
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Orlando’s Bank of America Center: A Downtown Landmark’s Four-Decade Journey
From a DuPont dream to City National Bank Tower, here's the wild story behind Orlando's iconic Bank of America Center and its many name changes.
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The Ronnie’s Restaurant Story: Two Pats of Butter and a Whole Lot of Attitude
The line outside Ronnie's Restaurant snaked into the Florida heat, but nobody left....

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