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.

Orlando’s Kress Building: The Wildest Résumé of Any Building in Downtown

The Kress Building in downtown Orlando has been a dime store, a civil-rights battleground, a medieval dinner theater, and a steakhouse...

Orlando Family Stage at 100: The Unlikely Century of a Children’s Theatre That Refused to Quit

Orlando Family Stage has been staging plays for Central Florida families for 100 years.

The Tinker Building: How a Baseball Legend Left His Name on Downtown Orlando

The Tinker Building at 16–18 W. Pine Street is one of downtown Orlando's most storied landmarks...

How 23 Women Started the Rosalind Club and Accidentally Renamed a Street

Rosalind Club: Founded in 1894 by 23 Orlando women, this private club helped launch Florida’s suffrage movement and left its name on the city’s streets.

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...

Lake Eola’s Historic Lubbe House

The Lubbe House, built in 1927-1930 on Lake Eola, is Orlando's last surviving lakefront home. Now the city is considering demolition for park expansion.