Ocala Area InformationHISTORYOCALA - MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA
Marion County history dates back far longer then recorded civilization. Proof that early man made his home in this area be seen in the remnants of his pottery, weapons, jewelry and bones on display at the Silver River Museum. The many springs in the area attracted life of every form. The largest artesian water system in the world, Silver Springs has been the site of discoveries of the vestiges of mastodon, mammoth and saber toothed tiger, as well as early man.
The Timucuan Indians were one of the earliest people to inhabit the area. The Spanish explorer, Hernando de Soto, mentioned their culture in his writings about his expedition in 1539. The largest of their villages was called Ocali, however, it's exact location in Marion County is unknown. By the mid 1700's, the Timucuans, and those native populations who followed them, had been decimated due to contact with the Europeans. In 1821, The United States purchased Florida From Spain, and settlers immediately began to pour into this area. They found the new territory inhabited by the Seminole, a culture comprised of members of Indian tribes from Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia and runaway slaves. American farmers found the rich lands perfect for their needs. In spite of attempts by the Indians at peaceful co-existence, troubles began and the United States embarked on a long and costly struggle to remove the Indians. Marion County was a major site for these conflicts. Fort King, some three miles east of today's Ocala, become an important military post, first occupied in 1827. During the Seminole War of 1835-42, it was the scene of many dramatic events. In 1842, after the Third Seminole War, the Armed Occupation Act encouraged white settlers to move into Florida, offering 160 acres free to eager settlers. Many of the early ones came from South Carolina, where their local revolutionary war hero was General Francis Marion, "The Swamp Fox". For this reason, on March 25, 1844, Marion was chosen as the name for the county. When Florida became a state in 1845 and Marion county was one of the first confirmed at the initial meeting of the assembly. This county, where tobacco, rice, sugar cane, cotton and cattle flourished, was quickly the hub of a rapidly growing state. In 1846 the county seat was planned and was named "Ocala". During the Civil War, Florida and Marion County played a major roll by furnishing the Confederacy with much of their needed provisions. In addition, many local military units were involved in the hostilities. Because of the privations of war and Union shipping blockades, the growth and development of Marion County was in a standstill during the Civil War. The latter part of the century saw a resurgence in the area. Between 1871 and 1875 the citrus industry began in Marion County, but after several killing frosts, the industry was forced to move further south. The discovery of phosphate prompted another land boom which is commemorated every year by "Boomtown Days" in Dunnellon. By 1890 Ocala was one of the largest towns in Florida. Silver Springs had become an international tourist draw and the first Florida tourist attraction. In November 1881 the heart of Ocala was destroyed by a Fire. Four blocks of buildings were destroyed, including the courthouse and Five hotels and all of the principal business houses. A blessing in disguise, the wooden buildings was replaced by brick structures, resulting in Ocala being known as "Brick City". By 1925 Ocala, was considered Central Florida's most progressive area. Agricultural products and cattle were very important to the state's economy. Marion County was home to the turpentine and timber industry. The richness of the limestone based soil was a major contributor to the vigor of the farming economy. By 1952, Marion County was the leading limestone producer in the entire southeast. Additional benefits of the limestone soil are the nutrients imparted to the grasses in the fields. The rich grazing, rolling hills, and year round pastures not available in other states, have contributed to the development of the Thoroughbred industry in Marion County. The first Thoroughbred farm, "Rosemere", was established in 1935. In 1956, an unknown three year old named "Needles" won the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes, and Marion County became a focus for the racing world. The area is proud to claim 37 Florida bred National Champions including Affirmed, the last horse to win the Triple Crown (1978); and Holy Bull, the 1994 North American Horse of the Year. The success of the Thoroughbred industry has attracted many other breed owners and there are now hundreds of horse farms, of every type, coloring the personality of the county. For example, a local Bo-Bett Farm resident, Rugged Lark, is a two time winner of the coveted American Quarter Horse title "Super Horse". Since 1960, Marion County has experienced tremendous manufacturing and industrial growth. This great economic diversity, combined with rich agricultural and natural resources, has made Marion County one of the fastest growing areas in the country. In 1995, Ocala was declared an "All America City" by the National Civic League, and the nation's fifth most desirable place to live by Money Magazine. Ocala/Marion County Chamber of Commerce 110 E. Silver Springs Blvd. Ocala, FL 34470 (352) 629-8051 ext. 239 (352) 629-7651 fax For more information about the Ocala/Marion Chamber of Commerce please visit: www.ocalacc.com.
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