DeLand, Florida is a scenic retirement community, popular senior vacation spot and university town.

DeLand FL History

Henry A. DeLand founded DeLand in 1876, with the purchase of a $1,000 plot of land. Mr. DeLand was a prosperous businessman in New York before moving to Florida. Mr. DeLand's plan was to develop the area by convincing settlers to come to DeLand and buy land from him. If they did not like the area they could sell the land back to Mr. DeLand within the first two years of settlement. He became a generous benefactor to the settlers, enabling them to build schools and churches.

In 1883, Henry DeLand founded the DeLand Academy. In 1885 when he no longer had the funds to support the Academy, John B. Stetson took over the endowment and the name of the academy was changed to John B. Stetson University. The campus, now known as Stetson University, is classified as a National Historic District.

The appeal of DeLand would not be the same if not for the old oak trees that line the streets. These trees were planted by residents of DeLand in hopes of a tax break. In 1886, residents of DeLand were allowed to take 50 cents off their taxes for each oak tree they planted that lived for one year. The residents planted so many trees that the city had to repeal the tax break because there was not enough money collected from taxes to pay the town marshal. The tax break of 1886 contributed greatly to the beauty of DeLand!

DeLand Florida – Retirement Community & University Town

DeLand, Florida is now a prosperous retirement community and university town. For your convenience, Senior Travel Genie offers travel resources for DeLand.