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.

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.

The Christmas Post Office: An Orange County Landmark Built on Christmas

The Christmas Post Office in Orange County has stamped holiday cheer since 1892. Here’s the local history, re-mailing tips, and how to visit.

The Vogue Theatre: Orlando’s Forgotten Movie House That Named Mills 50

The Vogue Theatre at Colonial & Mills opened Christmas Day 1940, fought a landmark civil rights case, and gave Orlando’s Mills 50 its name.

Ben White Raceway: Orlando’s Lost Horse-Racing Capital

Ben White Raceway on Lee Road was once America’s top harness training center. Here’s the wild Orlando story buried under Trotters Park today.

Murmur Records and Tapes: The College Park Shop That Taught Orlando How to Listen

Murmur Records and Tapes shaped College Park, Orlando's underground music scene for 13 years. Inside the store's history, its shows, and its legacy.

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A newsletter born from a simple belief: Greater Orlando deserves better local coverage.

Orlando History

Discover the stories that shaped our city

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