Lakeland, Florida is surrounded by natural scenery that beautifully contrasts its urban landscape. With every sight you see, it becomes more apparent how much care is taken to preserve the land’s heritage.
You might find it hard to imagine that the bustling metropolis we see today was once a simple town with a few hundred residents. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and discover the history of Lakeland, FL.
Humble Beginnings
Abraham Munn founded Lakeland back in 1882. He bought 80 acres of land in what’s now a part of the downtown area. It was soon incorporated along with the rest of Florida on January 1, 1885. The residents named the region “Lakeland” for the numerous lakes surrounding the area. Other names considered names were Munnville (in honor of its founder), Rome City, and Red Bug. Thanks to its convenient railroad system, beautiful location, and progressive development, the town quickly grew and prospered.The Birth of Lakeland’s Fruit Empire
Florida is the leading producer of citrus in the country. Throughout history, Lakeland has significantly contributed to helping its state secure that title. Citrus growing in the area began as early as the 1850s, when the early settlers planted the first trees. Because of the harsher cold weather in the northern parts of the county, Lakeland soon became the prime location for growing citrus in Florida. A few decades later, Ed Tison, a plant expert, helped the growth of this local industry with his contributions. He claimed to have conceived the Marsh Seedless Grapefruit in 1887. After developing this strain, he sold all his nurseries to C.M. Marsh, who then gave his name to this new variety.City Amenities
Lakeland experienced electricity for the first time in 1891. The Lakeland Light and Power Company established a light plant between Massachusetts Avenue and Cedar Street. The city was among the first towns in Florida to enjoy electric lighting. The next century was full of firsts for the city of Lakeland:- 1902 – Establishment of the city’s first telephone exchange
- 1908 – Creation of the city’s first fire department
- 1912 – Organization of free mail delivery
- 1915 – Construction of the first hospital in the city began
- 1922 – Florida Southern College transferred to Lakeland from Sutherland
The Florida Land Boom
Many consider the 1920s as Lakeland’s golden age. The construction of many important structures in the area occurred during this period. Even today, they’re part of the National Register of Historic Places. Here are some of the more notable ones:- Park Trammell Building (once Lakeland’s Public Library and now home to Lakeland’s Chamber of Commerce)
- New Florida Hotel (now Lake Mirror Tower Apartments)
- Terrace Hotel
- Polk Theatre (a Mediterranean-inspired theatre designed by Architect J.E. Casale)
