Welcome to Ocala City Guide
In 1995, Ocala was named an All-America-City
winner
Ocala was established in 1846 near the site of Fort King, a military outpost
of the Seminole Wars. Ocala is a derivation of the Timucua word "Ocali" which
is believed to mean the "Kingdom of the Sun." Hernando de Soto (explorer)
passed through a Timucua village or province named Ocali or Ocale near the
present site of Ocala during his famous expedition through what is today
the southeastern United States in 1539. Greater Ocala and Marion County are
still known as the "Kingdom of the Sun."
Rail service reached Ocala in June 1881, encouraging economic development.
Several years later, much of the Ocala downtown area was destroyed by fire
on Thanksgiving Day, 1883. Buildings were rebuilt with brick, granite, and
steel rather than lumber. By 1888, Ocala was known state-wide as "The Brick
City."
In December 1890, the Farmers' Alliance and Industrial Union, a forerunner
of the Populist Party (United States) held its national convention in Ocala.
At the convention, the Alliance adopted a platform that would become known
as the "Ocala Demands." This platform included abolition of national banks,
low interest government loans, free and unlimited coinage of silver, reclamation
of excess railroad lands by the government, a graduated income tax, and direct
election of United States Senators. Most of the "Ocala Demands" were to become
part of the Populist Party platform.
Ocala was an important center of citrus production until the "Big Freeze"
of 1894-1895.
You may place classified ads. Business may obtain directory placement.
Volusia County Putnam Penny
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