Community Overview
Think Orlando, and the first thing that comes to mind is “amusement parks” or “family vacation.” While Orlando does rank as one of the top vacation destinations in the United States, there is so much more to it than that! After the thrill rides have been ridden and the tourist sights seen, Orlando is a wonderful, family-friendly place in which to reside. The Orange County Public School system offers top-rated, high-quality education. Neighborhoods are pleasant and picturesque, with small-town community attitudes. “Not only is Orlando a great place to visit, it's an even better place to live!”
History
The first-known occupants of the area that has come to be known as Orlando, Florida were Native Americans of the Creek and other tribes. Little by little, European settlers made their way into the territory. The Armed Occupation Act of 1842 spurred on development of the region. Through this Act, land grants of 160 acres in size were offered to those willing to settle on and cultivate the land. (It was suggested that settlers of the land should be armed in case of attack; hence the name.) The first-known settler to take advantage of this offer was Aaron Jernigan, a cattleman who acquired land along Lake Holden. Appropriately, the area was first called Jernigan.
Differing accounts exist as to why the name of the area was changed to Orlando. One account states that it was in honor of Orlando Reeves, a sentinel charged with guarding a camp of soldiers. It is said that Reeves was killed by Indians as he tried to warn his fellow soldi
