 Centered on
attractions like Walt Disney World, Epcot, MGM Studios, Universal Orlando, and
much more, one might say these mega-theme parks built Orlando. But Orlando’s
early days began after the second Seminole War ended in 1842, when American
settlers and soldiers began squatting on land in Central Florida. Then called
Jernigan, after a Georgian settler, the name was officially changed to Orlando
in 1857. It is named after Orlando Reeves, a U.S. soldier who was killed by
Native Americans while on duty. At that time the town had about 85 residents.
Today, more than 1.4 million people reside in the Greater Orlando area. After
Walt Disney World opened its Magic Kingdom in the early 1970s, followed by
several other theme parks, Orlando became one of the most frequented tourist
destinations in the world.
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