Timeline of Orlando, Florida facts for kids

Orlando, Florida, is a famous city in the United States, known for its amazing theme parks and sunny weather. This article is like a time machine, taking you through the most important moments in Orlando's history, from when it was first settled to today. You'll learn about how the city grew, what big buildings were built, and when popular attractions opened their doors.

The Early Days (1800s)

Quick facts for kids History of Florida
The seal of Florida reflects the state's Native American ancestry
Historical Periods
Pre-history	until 1497
Spanish Rule	1513–1763
British Rule	1763–1783
Spanish Rule	1783–1821
U.S. Territorial Period	1822–1845
Statehood	1845–present
Major Events
American Revolutionary War	1775–1783
War of 1812	1811–1814
First Seminole War	1817–1818
Capitol moved to Tallahassee	1824
Second Seminole War	1835–1842
Constitutional convention	1838
Third Seminole War	1855–1858
Ordinance of Secession	1861
Civil War	1861–1865
3rd Constitution	1865
Reconstruction	1865–1868
4th Constitution	1868
5th Constitution	1885
Great Migration	1910–1930
Land Boom	1925–1929
6th Constitution	1968
Gore v. Harris 2000 Presidential Election	2000
Timeline
v t e

• 1843: The area that would become Orlando was first settled. It was called "Jernigan" back then.
• 1875: The town of Orlando officially became a city. This means it got its own local government.
  • William Jackson Brack became the first mayor of Orlando.
• 1878: The Orange County Reporter newspaper started printing, sharing news with the community.
• 1880: The South Florida Railroad began running, making it easier for people and goods to travel to and from Orlando.
• 1884: The first Orange County Jail was built.
• 1886:
  • The Orlando Black school opened, providing education for the community.
  • The Orlando Street Railway started operating, helping people get around town.
• 1889: The Church Street Station building was constructed.
• 1891: St. James Cathedral, an important church, was built.
• 1892:
  • A new Courthouse was built for the county's legal matters.
  • Lake Eola Park, a beautiful park with a lake, was created for everyone to enjoy.

The 20th Century: Growth and Fun

Early 1900s to 1960s

• 1905: The City Hall building was completed, where the city's government works.
• 1910: Orlando's population grew to 3,894 people.
• 1913: The Grand Theater opened, offering entertainment to residents.
• 1914: The city changed its government to a "commission form," which meant a group of people made decisions for the city.
• 1918: Orange General Hospital opened, providing medical care.
• 1920: The population jumped to 9,282 people.
• 1921:
  • The Beacham Theater opened its doors.
  • Jones High School became an active school.
• 1923:
  • The Orlando Utilities Commission was created, and the city's own electric plant started working.
  • The Albertson Public Library opened, giving people access to books and knowledge.
• 1924:
  • Several areas like Edgewater Heights and Lorna Doone Park became part of Orlando.
  • WDBO radio began broadcasting, bringing news and music to homes.
  • The Orlando Museum of Art was founded, showcasing beautiful artworks.
• 1926: More areas, including Country Club Estates and Ivanhoe Plaza, joined Orlando.
  • Important buildings like the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad station and the Municipal Auditorium were built.
• 1927: The Orange County Courthouse was constructed.
• 1928: The Orlando Municipal Airport started operating, connecting Orlando to other cities by air.
• 1930: The population reached 27,330 people.
• 1936:
  • The Orlando Stadium opened, a place for sports and big events.
  • Cypress Gardens, a famous attraction with beautiful gardens and water ski shows, opened in nearby Winter Haven.
• 1940: The Orlando Army Air Base was established.
• 1949: Gatorland, a popular park where you can see alligators and other animals, opened.
• 1950: Orlando's population grew to 52,367.
• 1952: William R. Boone High School and Edgewater High School were built.
• 1954: WDBO-TV began broadcasting television programs.
• 1956: Colonial Plaza shopping centre opened.
• 1957:
  • The Martin Company missile factory started operating near Orlando, bringing new jobs.
  • The Interstate 4 highway began construction, making travel easier.
• 1960:
  • The Central Florida Museum opened.
  • The population reached 88,135.
• 1961: The beautiful Harry P. Leu Gardens were given to the city.
• 1963: The University of Central Florida (UCF) was founded in East Orlando.
• 1967:
  • Carl T. Langford became the mayor of Orlando.
  • The Disney company started creating the City of Bay Lake and City of Reedy Creek near Orlando, which would become home to their theme parks.
• 1968:
  • Florida Technological University (now UCF) officially opened.
  • The Naval Training Center Orlando and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orlando were established.

1970s to 1990s: Theme Park Boom

• 1970:
  • Lake Highland Preparatory School was founded.
  • The city's population reached 99,006.
• 1971: Disney World officially opened for business, changing Orlando forever!
• 1973:
  • Orlando Fashion Square Mall opened, offering many stores for shopping.
  • SeaWorld theme park opened, featuring marine animals and shows.
• 1974: The East-West Expressway was built, helping traffic flow through the city.
• 1976: Orlando International Airport began operating, becoming a major hub for travelers.
• 1977:
  • Orlando Regional Medical Center was established, providing important healthcare services.
  • Wet 'n Wild Orlando theme park opened, offering water slides and fun.
• 1979: The Orlando Opera group was formed.
• 1980:
  • Bill Frederick became mayor.
  • The population grew to 128,291.
• 1982: Epcot theme park opened at Disney World in nearby Lake Buena Vista.
• 1983: The Orange County Convention Center opened, a huge place for big meetings and events.
• 1984: The Orlando Science Center became active, teaching kids and adults about science.
• 1986: The Peabody Orlando hotel opened.
• 1987: Dr. Phillips High School opened.
• 1989:
  • The Orlando Arena (later called the Amway Arena) opened, a venue for sports and concerts.
  • The Orlando Magic basketball team began playing their games here.
• 1990:
  • Universal Orlando theme park opened, bringing more exciting rides and shows to the city.
  • The Orlando Weekly newspaper began publication.
  • The population reached 164,693.
• 1991: The Orlando Predators football team was formed.
• 1992:
  • Cypress Creek High School and the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra were established.
  • The Orlando International Fringe Theater Festival began, showcasing unique performances.
• 1993: Glenda Hood became mayor.
• 1994: Some games of the 1994 FIFA World Cup (a huge international soccer tournament) were held in Orlando.
• 1998:
  • The Mennello Museum opened, displaying American art.
  • Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park opened, featuring animals and adventures.

The 21st Century: Modern Orlando

• 2001: Olympia High School was established.
• 2002: Millenia Mall opened, offering high-end shopping.
• 2003:
  • Freedom High School was established.
  • Buddy Dyer became mayor.
• 2004: Hurricane Charley hit the Orlando area directly with strong winds, causing widespread power outages.
• 2007: The CFE Arena opened.
• 2010:
  • The Amway Center event venue opened, becoming the new home for the Orlando Magic and other events.
  • The Orlando City Soccer Club was formed.
  • The population reached 238,300.
• 2015:
  • The Orlando Eye ferris wheel was built, offering amazing views of the city.
  • The population was estimated to be 270,917.
• 2017: Universal's Volcano Bay theme park opened, offering a new water park experience.