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.

Tabu Nightclub: A Downtown Icon On Orange Ave

Tabu Nightclub ran Orlando's Beacham building from 2001 to 2010. Inside the owners, the DJs, the Backstreet Boys tie, and the closing.

Orlando Army Air Force Base: The Forgotten Installation That Trained 54,000 Troops and Built a Neighborhood

Orlando Army Air Force Base shaped WWII tactics, trained 54,000 airmen, housed German POWs, and became today's Baldwin Park. Here's the full story.

Palm Cottage: The 1880s House and Garden That Changed How Florida Grows

Discover Palm Cottage, a relocated 1880s house and six-acre garden where 3,000+ plant species were tested, shaping Florida horticulture forever.

Orlando High School: Sixty Years at the Heart of a City

Orlando High School shaped downtown Orlando for 60 years. Discover the people, buildings, and traditions behind the city’s original public high school...

Northgate 4: Orlando’s Beloved Edgewater Drive Cinema

Northgate 4 was the beloved four-screen cinema tucked inside Northgate Plaza on Edgewater Drive, a cheap-ticket paradise for north Orlando families from 1971 to 1993.

Merita Bread: The Orlando Factory That Made I-4 Smell Like Home

The Merita Bread factory perfumed Orlando’s I-4 for over 50 years. Here’s the story of the bakery, its workers, and the neon sign that lives on.

The Cherry Plaza Hotel: Orlando’s Most Storied Building You’ve Never Heard Of

The Cherry Plaza Hotel on Lake Eola hosted Walt Disney's secret 1965 announcement, a presidential overnight, and Orlando's best parties.

Morrison’s Cafeteria: The Steam-Table Sunday Tradition That Fed a City

Morrison’s Cafeteria shaped Orlando life for decades, from its 1932 downtown opening on West Central Ave. to suburban spots in Altamonte Springs and Kissimmee.