Orlando Between 1857-1875

Orlando is known internationally as a tourist destination, attracting fifty million visitors each year to its numerous resorts and parks. In all that excitement, it's easy to overlook the city's interesting past. In the 1800s, the area was embroiled in the Seminole Wars, and Fort Gatlin was constructed to shield citizens from attacks.

Soon, a city grew around the fort. During the cowboy era, thousands of cattle, ranchers, and cowboys crossed the central Florida terrain moving livestock. Those pioneers soon moved to the farm, and Orlando became the center of the Florida citrus industry. Join author and historian James C. Clark as he reveals the remarkable history of one of the world's most popular destinations.

The Union Free Church built in 1872 on South Magnolia Avenue between Pine and Church Streets, served as a school during the week. On Sundays, three denominations - Baptist, Methodist, and Episcopal - took turns holding services in the log cabin, and the city's first cemetery was established beside it.Declared a nuisance, the old building was demolished in 1891. This photograph was taken shortly before the structure's demolition 

( Copyright Stephanie Gaub Antequino and Tana Mosier Porter on behalf of the Historical Society of Central Florida)