Ocala, Florida is a senior tourist and retirement community.

Ocala FL History

Ocala's name comes from the extinct Timucuan Indians who called their village Ocali, commonly thought to mean "Big Hammock". Today, many of Ocala's streets have historical Indian names, while others have Spanish names from old land grants.

Ocala developed as a result of the Indian Wars in which Fort King played a strategic role. By 1847, settlers constructed a courthouse on the square, the post office moved to Ocala, and a weekly newspaper was established. Wealthy planters from South Carolina arrived in the 1850’s and outlying plantations were developed. By 1858, Ocala was one of the leading social and business centers in Florida. The Civil War all but destroyed business in Ocala and the population dwindled.

In 1880, Joseph Caldwell platted a 50 block area southeast of the original city plat on land that had been part of the 1817 Alvarez grant. The road from Ocala to Fort King ran across this land. On Thanksgiving Day 1883, the center of town was virtually destroyed by fire. In rebuilding, brick and other fire resistant materials were used in place of lumber. Thus, Ocala became known as the "Brick City", a name still used today. According to the 1885 Charter of Ocala, the Town of Ocala was locally incorporated in 1868.

Ocala Florida – Charming Senior Vacation Town

Today, Ocala Florida is charming senior vacation town and retirement community. Senior Travel Genie furnishes resources for hotels and much more in Ocala, FL.