History of Orlando, Florida
Much More Than The Theme Parks
The history of Orlando goes back many years before Walt Disney came to town. It has saddened me for years that most of the millions of tourists who visit central Florida's theme parks each year have never seen the real Orlando.
Orlando’s modern history dates back to 1838 and the Second Seminole War. The U.S. Army built Fort Gatlin southeast of present day downtown Orlando to protect settlers from the Indians.