Maitland, Florida is a well established senior vacation and travel area.

Maitland FL History

Maitland is one of the oldest incorporated municipalities in Central Florida. The area was once called Fumecheliga (Musk Mellon Place) by the Seminole Indians before it was established as Fort Maitland in 1838 by the U.S. Army. The fort was named after captain William Seton Maitland, a hero of the Seminole Wars who was never in the area, having died in a battle near Tampa. Fort Maitland was a small fort built on the west shore of Lake Maitland as a rest stop between Fort Mellon and Fort Gatlin (what is now Orlando).

When the Indian wars ceased and the fort had been torn down, people began settling in the area because of the natural spring water and extensive pine forests. At the close of the Civil War, settlers bought large tracts of land, cleared them and planted citrus groves. The first deed for property in the city was written in 1873 to George H. Packwood.

The city was incorporated as the Town of Lake Maitland in 1885. After two years of devastating, tree killing freezes in 1894 and 1895, many of the grove owners were so financially devestated that they left Florida. However, the town survived and wealthy visitors kept coming to enjoy the climate.

Maitland Florida – Near Orlando and Disney World

The Maitland, Florida area has always been a senior vacation spot because of its warm climate and friendly people. Disney World in nearby Orlando also has an impact on the continuous growth and popularity of Maitland.