History of Ocala, Florida
Located in the area north of Marion County, Ocala is known for being the horse capital of the world, and is one of the best cities to live in Florida. With its current population of 57,000 plus, based off the United States Census Bureau estimate, it ranks as the 45th most populated city of their state. As of today, Ocala is a town with a suburban feel where most residents comprise of young professionals.
Early Period
Before the city of Ocala became what it is today, way back in 6,500 B.C. indigenous people populated their island. The Timucua's were the largest indigenous group that filled Northeast and Central Florida. It is known that Ocala, previously known as Ocale or Ocali, was the primary village of the Timucua's. In the Timucuan language Ocale or Ocali comes from the word "Big Hammock," it was derived from the whole historical event where the Spaniard Hernando de Soto recorded its existence in 1539. Later on, Ocale was abandoned during the attack of Soto and was stricken off any Spanish accounts.
During the 18th century people sought refuge in Florida, these include Native Americans, African Americans, and even Creek People. This group of people formed the population that occupied the island of Ocala, the Seminole People. For a time, colonial rule shifted from being controlled by Spain to Great Britain and back again. By the 1820s the United States gained control of Florida, and they built Fort King, a fort that separated them from the Seminole People. The white people moved into the area and settled down. This fort became an essential stronghold for the Second Seminole War and by 1844 became the first courthouse for the county.
By 1984 Ocale became the established city of Ocala, and it developed around Fort King. Agricultural development and slave labor prevailed the entire region, as well as becoming the primary center of citrus production. Greater Ocala was then known as the Kingdom of the Sun.
On June 1881 the county developed a rail service, this pushed them into developing economically resulting in accessing to markets and trade. Unfortunately, an unexpected set back happened on the thanksgiving day of 1883, most of Ocala's downtown area was in ashes because of a massive fire. After this incident, the city began rebuilding with granite, steel, and brick instead of lumber. On 1888 they were known all. Over Florida as "The Brick City"
During December of 1890, the Populist Party adopted the platform “Ocala Demands”. The Populist Party consisted of The Industrial Union and The Farmers Alliance. The "Ocala Demands" included low-interest government loans, the unlimited coinage of silver, abolishment of national banks, and a graduated income tax.
During the 18th century people sought refuge in Florida, these include Native Americans, African Americans, and even Creek People. This group of people formed the population that occupied the island of Ocala, the Seminole People. For a time, colonial rule shifted from being controlled by Spain to Great Britain and back again. By the 1820s the United States gained control of Florida, and they built Fort King, a fort that separated them from the Seminole People. The white people moved into the area and settled down. This fort became an essential stronghold for the Second Seminole War and by 1844 became the first courthouse for the county.
By 1984 Ocale became the established city of Ocala, and it developed around Fort King. Agricultural development and slave labor prevailed the entire region, as well as becoming the primary center of citrus production. Greater Ocala was then known as the Kingdom of the Sun.
On June 1881 the county developed a rail service, this pushed them into developing economically resulting in accessing to markets and trade. Unfortunately, an unexpected set back happened on the thanksgiving day of 1883, most of Ocala's downtown area was in ashes because of a massive fire. After this incident, the city began rebuilding with granite, steel, and brick instead of lumber. On 1888 they were known all. Over Florida as "The Brick City"
During December of 1890, the Populist Party adopted the platform “Ocala Demands”. The Populist Party consisted of The Industrial Union and The Farmers Alliance. The "Ocala Demands" included low-interest government loans, the unlimited coinage of silver, abolishment of national banks, and a graduated income tax.
Ocala, The Horse Capital
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In 1943, the first horse farm in Florida was in Marion County. Carl G. Rose developed it, and as soon as it was established entrepreneurs followed suit and other farms developed. Not long after, Ocala became the center of a horse-breeding area. During the 1978 Triple Crown series, local Marion county horses won three races, boosting the domestic horses' reputation.
Out of only five cities in the whole world, Ocala county is one of those permitted by the Chamber of Commerce under their strict guidelines to use the title "Horse Capital of the World." More information here |
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