Winter Park Florida Information

From its humble beginnings as a log cabin situated between Lakes Virginia and Mizell in 1858, Winter Park has grown from a wilderness outpost in a pine forest to a luxurious haven for snowbirds - a charming section of Greater Orlando in Central Florida. This is thanks to Loring Augustus Chase, whose vision of a planned community with scenic, curving brick roads, charming Mediterranean-style architecture in park-like settings of Spanish-moss draped live oak, all centered around a chain of 17 lakes.

The Farmer's Market, now refurbished to accommodate large gatherings, was Winter Park's railroad station, and contains historic memorabilia depicting the city's roots in the Winter Park Historical Association and Museum. The railroad, dedicated in 1880 by U.S. Grant, opened up this new destination to visitors from the busy St. Johns River area to the east, and by 1882 the city of Winter Park was dedicated. A few years later Rollins College, the very first institute of higher learning in the state, was built. By 1890, the population of the town reached a thriving 600.

Winter Park grew steadily despite a devastating freeze in 1895, and thanks to Charles H. Morse of Chicago who stabilized the town by acquiring the Winter Park Company. When the 1924 land boom hit, the population had blossomed to 2,360. It has been thriving ever since and is now one of Florida's most unique year-round destinations which has remained true to the plans of its founders.