Stopping for a minute to read a historic marker is a great way to learn more about the history of…read morean area. I have gained so much knowledge about Florida from these blue historical markers that can you find all around the state. This marker recounts some important information about Orlando's role in WWII. You can find it on the outside of Orlando Executive Airport. In 1928 the Orlando Municipal Airport opened on 65 acres of land north of Lake Underhill. The airport operated until 1940 which was when Europe entered WWII. In response, the government took over the airport on September 1, 1940 for defense. Army Air Corps soon planes arrived and the former airport became a base for training pilots and fighter and bomber groups. On December 7, 1941 Pearl Harbor was attacked by Japan and the United States entered into WWII. In 1942 the Orlando Army Air Station was established and it encompassed the Pine Castle Air Force Base at what is now the Orlando Executive Airport, Baldwin Park, Audubon Park, the Fashion Square Mall, and the Koger Office Center. The purpose of the base was to have pilots test new air planes like the P-26 and P-40. The base was so important that it was visited by Chief of the Army Air Force General Hap Arnold and entertainer Bob Hope. At the end of World War II the base helped servicemen and women transition back into civilian life. In the early 1960's the air station closed and the land was used as a Navy training center that instructed over 650,000 recruits. In 1961 the former military base became Herndon Airport before being renamed Orlando Executive Airport in 1982. In 1993 the base was closed leaving a 1,000 acre hole right near downtown Orlando. The land was then turned over for community and economic development. In 2008, the Orlando Air Base marker, F-644 was installed by the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority and the Florida Department of State.

While I am very familiar with the blue markers of the state wide Florida Historical Marker Program,…read moreoccasionally I will come across a county or city historic marker. On a recent walk through Overlook Park on Lake Jessup, I discovered that Seminole County has their own historic marker program. Historic markers are a great way to learn about the formative people, buildings, and events in a town's history. This marker was erected by Seminole County and recounts the history of White's Wharf at Clifton Springs. Just north of this spot, in 1765-1766 John and William Bartram discovered the springs during a search for the source during their excursion up the Saint Johns River. They set up camp next to the warm sulfur springs. The swampy shoreline of Lake Jessup became the site of at least three wharves and trading posts just after the Civil War. In the late 1870's, W.G. White built a store at this spot. White employed six clerks and traded with buyers who came by wagon and ox cart from all parts of Central Florida and as far south as Fort Christmas. Settlers gave meat, hides, and plumes from wild birds in exchange for flour, grits, cane syrup, molasses, rice, medicines, cloth, and hardware. White also owned a nearby grove that supplied his wharf. White's Wharf became an important stop for anyone traveling on the St. John River and those in the new city of Oviedo. The campground at White's Wharf became a community gathering place for church picnics until the 1950's. The site also became known as Clifton Springs, in honor of the hometown in New York of Dr. Henry Foster, a wealthy grower who spent winters at Lake Charm in Oviedo. In 1882, White formed the Lake Jessup Steamboat Company with the local postmaster and another merchant. The men purchased the Isis, a stern-wheeler that hauled fruit from the grove across the lake to the St. Johns and north to Jacksonville which boosted the popularity of Clifton Springs. The Isis eventually sank in Lake George during a bad storm, killing three crewman. The Lake Jessup Steamboat Company soon disbanded after the ship was destroyed. In the 1800's White moved his business to Orlando to take advantage of the railroads being built in Central Florida. In the early 2000's, Seminole County claimed this land and renamed White's Wharf to Overlook Park and opened it to the public. The park is surrounded by two sulfur springs, one to the east and one to the west. There is a picnic pavilion and a boardwalk on Lake Jessup for fishing.

While I am very familiar with the blue markers of the state wide Florida Historical Marker Program,…read moreoccasionally I will come across a county or city historic marker. I discovered this Seminole County marker near the waterfront in Sanford. Historical markers are a great way to learn about the formative people, buildings, and events in Florida's history. This historic marker tells about the importance of steamboats to Sanford's history. Robert Fulton invented steamboats by adapting the steam engine he invented into the hull of a boat. He named it the North River Steamboat in 1807 and he sparked a revolution in transportation. The steam engine was able to more reliably power boats better than gravity, a person's own strength, an animal, or the wind. Robert Fulton's invention opened up the many waterways across this nation to travel and commerce. As early as 1829 steamboats started traveling on the many rivers in Florida. The St Johns River was used for steamboat service to Titusville at Salt Lake Landing and further south to Rockledge with a dock on Rockledge Creek just east of Lake Florence. At the site of this marker was Central Florida's first established expressway. Steamboat navigation on the St. Johns opened up Central Florida to goods and travel during the 19th century. In the early days of steamboat travel up the St Johns River system from Jacksonville southward, the steamboats were afforded deep and wide water all the way to Sanford. There were landings at Sanford and at Enterprise where the St Johns left Lake Monroe and continued southward. Captain Jacob Brock commanded his steamboats between Jacksonville and the Sanford/Enterprise landings and he built a hotel at Enterprise. During the Second Seminole War 1835-42, the US Army established Fort Mellon which supplied nine steamboats and thirty chartered ships. Afterward the war, the steamboats provided contact and trade to the pioneers in this area that was still largely wilderness. In the 1870s and '80s steamboat travel was it it's peak supplying the settlers and tourists who were moving into the area. Railroads were built south and west from Sanford beginning in 1880. The railroads worked in sync with the steamships by moving trains on the long piers built into the lake to meet the waiting steamers like the Starlight, Fanny Dougan, Magnolia, Welaka, City of Jacksonville, and the Osceola, which was the only sternwheeler. With the arrival of the railroad in December 1885, steamboats on the upper St Johns River quickly came to a close, The steam boats operated until 1933 when both trains and and steamers were largely replaced by motor vehicle. Today you can still see pleasure boats up and down the St. John's Rivers traversing the same routes once taken by the steamboats.

A well kept (or new) marker here at Sanford Marina that harkens back to the days before Interstates…read moreand airports when the best way to make your way to and through Central Florida was a steamboat. The marker is on two sides and reads: Where you are standing is the site of the first Central Florida's established expressway. Steamboat navigation on the St. Johns River provided the entry to Central Florida during the 19th century. During the Second Seminole War (1835-42) the US Army established Fort Mellon on their wilderness shores, supplying nine named steamboats and some thirty chartered ships. Afterward steamboat traffic served to provide contact and trade to the sparsely settled region. During the 1870s and '80s steamer travel reached its peak, filling the economic needs of the settlers and tourists who were rapidly moving into the area. Railroads were built south and west from Sanford beginning in 1880. The dovetailing of railroads and river traffic was accomplished by moving trains on the long piers built into the lake to attend waiting steamers. Steamship lines with side wheelers running ships from Jacksonville to Sanford were the Brock Line 1853-77; Debary Line Merchant Line 1876-1883; Debary-Baya Merchant Line 1883-88; Clyde St. John River Line 1889-1933. Daily service between Jacksonville and Sanford was provided by these lines. Among the more well known ships were the Starlight, Fanny Dougan, Magnolia, Welaka, City of Jacksonville, and the Osceola, the only sternwheeler. The railroad connection to Jacksonville in 1886 started a losing battle for the steamboats. They continued to operate until 1933 when both railroading and steamers had to bow to their common nemesis, the motor vehicle. Today, pleasure boats of all sizes ply the St. Johns River providing the same ambience enjoyed by the pioneer settlers.

Historical markers are a great way to learn about the formative people, buildings, and events in…read moreFlorida's history. I found this marker in front of the Sanford Museum dedicated to Sanford founder, Henry Shelton Sanford. Marker F-5 was installed in 1961 by the Florida Board of Parks and Historic Memorials. You can learn more about Henry Sanford in the museum behind this marker. Henry Sanford was born in Woodbury, Connecticut, on June 15, 1823. In 1847 Sanford began his long distinguished career as a diplomat as an attaché and Secretary of the American Legation at St. Petersburg. He was also the United States Ambassador to Belgium under Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson. In 1870, Sanford purchased 23 square acres of land west of Mellonville, Florida, through the Sanford Grant from Spain. He planned a new city that he called The Gate City of South Florida, which he believed would become the transportation hub for Florida. In 1877, the City of Sanford was incorporated, and Mellonville was annexed six years later. In 1880, while he was in Europe as a U.S. minister, he formed a land company in London to encourage investments in Sanford. That same year construction began on the South Florida Railroad with a terminus in Sanford. By 1884, Sanford was a prosperous town with wharves, a railroad station, and a large hotel. Sanford traveled the world for the U.S. government and wherever he went, he bought seeds and plants to send back to Florida for his groves. The first was St. Gertrude's Grove. The second and more successful was Belair, a citrus grove and experimental garden near his residence in Sanford. More than 30,000 exotic trees from South America and Africa were planted at the gardens, mostly by Swedish immigrants who settled at nearby New Upsala. His young manager, James Ingraham, moved from Ohio in 1874 to help relieve his wife's tuberculosis. At the time it was the largest grove in the state. Sanford experimented with more than 140 varieties of citrus plantings which led to the production of new quality citrus fruits including the Jaffa, Mediterranean Sweet, Villa Francean and the Valencia orange, Carefully constructed experiments were implemented to determine what would grow best in Florida's climate. By 1889, Sanford had extended his farm to over 400 acres with approximately 145 acres of orange and lemon groves, along with a small nursery. All of the plants were tested to determine if Florida citrus growers could introduce new varieties into the blossoming citrus market. While experiments which were conducted to satisfy Sanford's own curiosity, they had the added bonus of benefitting the agricultural interests of the United States. Sanford and his family's last trip to Belair Grove was in the winter of 1890-1891. They returned to Healing Springs, Virginia, where he passed away on May 21, 1891. His wife, Gertrude, sold the Florida property to the Chase Brothers, who had moved to Florida in 1878 and started working with Sanford. During the winter of 1894-1895, a severe freeze destroyed that year's entire crop. Many citizens faced economic ruin and left the area. Those who stayed turned the artesian wells into a subirrigation system that permitted commercial agriculture. By the first decade of the 20th century, Sanford was one of the largest vegetable shipping centers in the United States. The Gate City of South Florida then became known as Celery City after its most successful crop.

Located in front of the Sanford Museum (which I MUST make time to visit), this marker denotes an…read moreearly Sanford resident and citrus pioneer. The marker could use a refresh but it reads: "In this vicinity, Henry Shelton Sanford, pioneer citrus grower, established the St. Gertrude grove in 1871. There, and at his Belair grove and experimental gardens, he advanced the industry through development of some 140 types of citrus. The Sanford gardens experimented with other tropical fruits, planting 30,000 exotic trees from South America and Africa. Much of the labor in the groves was performed by Swedish immigrants who settled at nearby New Upsala."

While taking a stroll along Lake Lily I was delighted to spot this historic marker recounting…read morehistorical information about the path I was on. Stopping for a minute to read a historic marker is a great way to learn more about the history of an area. I have gained so much knowledge about Florida from these blue historical markers that can you find all around the state. This marker is next to Lake Lily near the playground. According to the marker, the brick road along the west side of Lake Lily dates back to the Second Seminole War. In the 1830's Lake Lily Drive was used as part of the route between the Fort Mellon, a supply depot in Sanford along the St. Johns River and Fort Maitland built in 1838 on the shores of Lake Maitland across the street from this park. It took a full day by foot for troops to travel between the two forts. This small trail was important because it connected Fort Maitland to the main route. After leaving Lake Lily the route headed south south on what is now Highway 17-92. Lake Lily Drive became part of the first direct route from northeast Florida to Maitland. In 1915 Lake Lily Drive was covered in bricks making it the first grouted brick route in Florida. In 1925 Lake Lily Drive became part of Dixie Hwy connecting Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan to Miami, Florida. In 1927 the road was joined to the Black Bear Trail at Lake Lily. In the 1960's Lake Lily Drive was paved. A restoration project in 1998 removed the asphalt and the Maitland Historical Society restored the bricks. Today visitors to Lake Lily Park can take a step back in time as they walk along the brick pathway from the 1800's. Marker F-523 was installed in the park in 2004 by the City of Maitland and Florida Department of State.

I discovered this Seminole County marker on the side of the road while driving through Sanford…read more Historical markers are a great way to learn about the formative people, buildings, and events in Florida's history. This historical sign is located at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd and Country Club Road. Slain civil rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr. stands as a symbol of hope and unity. He preached foe equality for all people as promised under the Declaration of Independence. He led non violent protests and gave impactful speeches to change peoples hearts and minds. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. "Since his untimely death in 1968, Sanford and Seminole County have seen people of all colors and creeds live, work and worship together every day." This marker and road are dedicated to "Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and shall forever represent the power of unity and brotherhood. Citizens of all colors will know this road as the "gateway to unlimited possibilities" that carries the "footprints to freedom."

There is so much history in this little corner of Sanford. In Speer Park I found this Seminole…read moreCounty historic marker. Historical markers are a great way to learn about the formative people, buildings, and events in Florida's history. This historical marker highlights the history of Fort Reid which once stood on this spot. Where the charming Speer Grove Park now stands was once the site of a fort during the Second Seminole War. When the government enacted the Indian Removal Act in 1830, the army was sent to drive all of the Native Americans out west on the Trail of Tears. The Seminoles resisted and the Second Seminole War broke out. Forts like this one in what is now Sanford were set up all across Florida to aid the US Army in their mission. The fort here was established on July 7, 1840 by Colonel William Harney. It was named after the fourth territorial governor of Florida, Robert Reid. Between July 1840 and January 1841 the fort was the headquarters of Colonel Twiggs of the Second Dragoons and included the commands of the St. Johns District, Army of the South, and the District South of New Smyrna under Colonel Harney. In 1840, Fort Reid had a force of 417 soldiers. It temporarily replaced Fort Mellon a mile and a half north for health reasons. The army abandoned the fort in 1842. After that it was occupied on and off by area settlers until it was re-garrisoned briefly in November 1849 before being permanently abandoned for the final time the next month. Today the spot where the fort once stood has become destination for family community gatherings, play, and fitness.

Very little going on here and nothing other than the sign to remember the Fort as it's now a big…read moregreen space with some playground stuff. The marker reads: Fort Reid was named and established in this area during the Second Seminole War by Colonel William Harney on July 7, 1840, in honor of Robert Raymond Reid, Fourth Territorial Governor of Florida. Stationed here between July 1840 and January 1841 were the Headquarters of Colonel Twiggs of the Second Dragoons, including the commands of the St. Johns District, Army of the South, plus the District South of New Smyrna under Col. Harney. For the year of 1840, Fort Reid reached a force of 417 and temporarily replaced Fort Mellon a mile and a half north of here, allegedly for health reasons. Developers about 1875, despite the Army's spelling, created a housing subdivision in this area giving it the name of Fort Reed. Also, in 1886, at what is now the northwest corner of the Airport in Sanford, a station on the railroad between Sanford and Oviedo was given the name of Fort Reed.

I love learning about architecture and history so I was immediately drawn to this historic marker…read moreon Sligh Street in Orlando. I am particularly fond of historic train stations, many of which were built during Florida's land boom hey days of the 1920's. Orlando was named in 1857 and incorporated in 1875. In 1880 the first railroad was built to Orlando which at that time was a pioneer cattle and citrus outpost that sprung up from the area around Fort Gatlin, built during the Seminole Wars. Atlantic Coastline Railroad acquired the railroad in 1902 and in an effort to bring more tourism to Orlando, in 1927 they hired architect M.A. Griffith to build on new train station on Sligh street. During the 1920's, Mediterranean Revival was the most popular architectural design choice but Griffith was inspired by his travels along the Pacific Coast where he admired the Spanish architecture and colonial parish churches. The W.T. Hadlow Construction Company of Jacksonville was hired to build the Spanish Mission style building with twin bell towers, arches, parapet, and tile roof at a cost of $300,000. The station was dedicated on January 11, 1927 in front of a crowd of 6,0000 people. On February 27, 1978, the train station was designated an Orlando Historic Landmark. In 2014 the station's original wood doors and windows were restored along with the original building colors. Repairs were also made to the stucco walls, roof, ceilings, paving, and upgrades were made to the restrooms. In 2015, the restoration project won the City of Orlando's Historic Preservation award for Outstanding Commercial Rehabilitation. In 2016 historic marker number F-904 was installed in front of the train station by The City of Orlando and the Florida Department of State. Today the station is considered the largest and finest example of Mission Revival architecture in Central Florida and is the only train station of this style in the state. The station serves Amtrak's Silver Meteor and Silver Star Lines and the SunRail commuter train. I have been to many train stations from the 1920's throughout Florida. Some have been torn down, some are now abandoned, others have been restored and turned into something else like a museum, but it is very rare to see one still being used today. I love that people are still arriving and departing through this historic building. I think M.A. Griffith would be proud to know that the Atlantic Coastline Station is still servicing Orlando's travelers today.

This very well preserved marker is in front of the Orlando Amtrak station and recalls the time when…read morerailroads first started into Florida as well as a certain time in American history and race relations. Certainly well before "Amtrak" was a thing. The marker has text on both sides and it reads: "In 1880, the South Florida Railroad built a railway through Orlando. The small community boomed with land speculators, citrus and cattle investors, and tourists. In 1902, the larger Atlantic Coastline Railroad acquired the South Florida Railroad. Although three earlier Orlando stations were located on Church Street, Atlantic Coastline hired architect M.A. Griffith to design a new station on Sligh Boulevard in 1926. Griffith traveled the Pacific Coast and drew inspiration from Spanish architecture and colonial parish churches. The W.T. Hadlow Construction Company of Jacksonville received a $300,000 construction contract for the Spanish Mission style building. Twin bell towers, arches, parapet, and tile roof reflect this influence. Griffith designed the letters of "ORLANDO" over the west entrance arch. When the station was dedicated in January 1927, it attracted a crowd of more than 6,000 and became an immediate icon. The racially segregated station included a separate waiting room with ticket windows and restrooms for African American passengers on the south side of the building. Built-in curved wooden settees, once featured in both waiting rooms, remain only in the current waiting room." "Known historically as the Atlantic Coastline Railroad Station, this building represented the city's efforts to encourage tourism in Orlando during the 1920s Florida Land Boom. Since its opening, the station has served as a passenger terminal for residents, visitors, and workers. The words "Seaboard Coast Line" on the east arched parapet replaced "Atlantic Coast Line" after the two rail companies merged in 1967. The station was documented by the Historic American Buildings Survey with six drawing sheets archived in the Library of Congress. On February 27, 1978, it was designated as an Orlando Historic Landmark. An extensive renovation began in 2014 to restore the station including the original wood doors and windows. Careful research revealed original colors of the building, window sills, and domes. In 2015, the project won the City of Orlando's Historic Preservation award for Outstanding Commercial Rehabilitation. The station is considered the largest and finest example of Mission Revival architecture in Central Florida and is the only train station of this style in the state. The station serves Amtrak's Silver Meteor and Silver Star Lines and the SunRail commuter train."