Eatonville is the first incorporated black town in America. It was founded on December 24, 1886. It is a town in Orange County, Florida. It is six miles north of Orlando. In 1882, Joseph C. Clarke bought some land from Mayor Josiah C. Eaton. Clarke began selling lots to black families from Maitland and nearby Orlando and Water Park. On August 15 of 1887, 27 registered voters, all black men, voted to incorporate. Eatonville was a way for the black community to create its own culture and town, without having to deal with being the un-fair rules and acts of the white men. Part of the reason that Eatonville is so famous, is due to a famous author, Zora Neale Hurston. She was raised in a Baptist family and moved to Eatonville at the age of 3. Her father became mayor of Eatonville. Most of her novels were based on Eatonville as one of it's settings or place. She wrote several short stories and wrote 7 novels. She wrote one her most important novels in 1937, Their Eyes Were Watching God. Other famous residents of Eatonville are David "Deacon" Jones. He is a famous football player. Also, Jules Andre Smith did a series of painting depicting life in Eatonville during the 1930s and 1940s. Twelve of these works are at the Maitland Art Center in Eatonville. Eatonville today is mostly known for their annual showcase of arts, literature and culture. In late January it drew some 160,000 people to the tiny metropolis. The towns population in 2000 was only 2,432. The town of Eatonville is thought to be one of the oldest towns that was incorporated by only blacks between 1865 and 1900, though at least one other claims that status. Fewer then twelve remain.
Florida was ruled by several countries throughout its history, including Spain and Britain. Spain first claimed Florida in the 16th century, and it remained under Spanish control until 1763, when it was ceded to Britain. Spain regained control in 1783 after the American Revolutionary War, and Florida was eventually sold to the United States in 1819, officially becoming a U.S. territory in 1821.
The red stripes on the Florida flag represent the bloodshed by those who fought for the state’s independence and the sacrifices made for freedom. The flag features a red saltire (diagonal cross) on a white background, symbolizing the influence of the St. Andrew's Cross, which is associated with the state’s Scottish heritage. Overall, the design reflects Florida's history and the ideals of courage and resilience.
The colony that was founded to promote humanitarian goals was Florida. Florida became a colony Florida became a state in March of 1845.
One important early settlement in Florida history was St. Augustine, established in 1565 by Spanish explorer Pedro Menéndez de Avilés. As the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the continental United States, St. Augustine served as a strategic military outpost and a center for Spanish colonial administration. Its location along the Atlantic coast made it crucial for trade and defense against other colonial powers. The city's rich history is reflected in its well-preserved architecture and cultural heritage.
The year 1513 is significant in American history primarily because it marks the arrival of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León on the coast of Florida, leading to the first recorded European contact with what is now the United States. He named the land "La Florida," meaning "Land of Flowers," and claimed it for Spain. This event set the stage for further exploration and colonization in North America by European powers, shaping the continent's future.
One of the first all black US towns.
Eatonville, FL.
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The address of the Eatonville Library is: 205 Center Street, Eatonville, 98328 M
The address of the Eatonville Branch is: 200 East Kennedy Boulevard, Eatonville, 32751 5344
Norm Lewis was born on June 2, 1963, in Eatonville, Florida, USA.
The address of the Zora Neale Hurston National Museum Of Fine Arts is: 227 East Kennedy Blvd, Eatonville, FL 32751
The address of the Zora Neale Hurston National Museum Of F is: 227 E Kennedy Blvd, Eatonville, FL 32751-5303
The phone number of the Eatonville Library is: 253-548-3311.
The phone number of the Eatonville Branch is: 407-835-7323.
Hurston returns to Eatonville to reconnect with her roots, find inspiration for her writing, and document the cultural traditions and stories of her community. Eatonville holds a special place in her heart as the first incorporated African-American town in the United States, and she seeks to preserve its history through her work.
Eatonville Junior School was created in 1955.