Ocala is located in North Central Florida in Marion County just outside of the Ocala National Forest which is the second largest National Forest in the state. The Florida Trail, also referred to as the Florida National Scenic Trail, runs near Ocala and through the National Forest.
In the 16th century, the area was occupied by the Timucua group of indigenous people. Their village was called Ocale from which the modern city derives its name. Hernando De Soto is recorded as having passed through the area in 1539 and referred to the region as Ocale. Ocale is not mentioned again in any records and is thought to have been abandoned after De Soto’s visit.
Fort King was built in 1827
Ocala is located in North Central Florida in Marion County just outside of the Ocala National Forest which is the second largest National Forest in the state. The Florida Trail, also referred to as the Florida National Scenic Trail, runs near Ocala and through the National Forest.
In the 16th century, the area was occupied by the Timucua group of indigenous people. Their village was called Ocale from which the modern city derives its name. Hernando De Soto is recorded as having passed through the area in 1539 and referred to the region as Ocale. Ocale is not mentioned again in any records and is thought to have been abandoned after De Soto’s visit.
Fort King was built in 1827 near the existing site of Ocala and was erected to help protect settlers from the Seminoles. The fort served double duty in 1844 when it also became the area’s courthouse. The city was formally established in 1846 and the railroad built lines through the area in 1881 which spurred economic development. Most of the original city was constructed of wood and was burnt to the ground by a fire on Thanksgiving Day in 1881. When the city was rebuilt using mostly brick, Ocala became known as the “Brick City”.
Much of the city’s early development centered on the citrus industry and there were many citrus groves in and around the area. Ocala became a hub for citrus production until 1894/95 when the area was decimated by an unusually lengthy freeze often referred to as the “Great Freeze”.
In the early part of the 20th century, the area became a popular choice for the breeding of thoroughbred race horses. This popularity continues today as the thoroughbred is a much cherished animal in the Ocala region. Needles became the first Florida bred horse to win the Kentucky Derby and Affirmed was first to win the Triple Crown. Both were bred and raised in Marion County. An Ocala, Florida Campground will provide you with many opportunities to see the existing thoroughbred ranches and maybe observe the state’s next champion.
The 20th century also saw a huge growth in the area’s tourism with visitors flocking to the area for river adventures on the Silver River and the Silver Springs Nature Theme Park. The Silver River is the headwaters of the largest artesian spring formation in the world. There are several Ocala Camping Sites in the area.
Ocala and its surroundings have become a choice location for retirement. The area boasts one of the most highly regarded and well planned retirement communities in the country. The near-by Villages offers retirees a safe and healthy environment full of activities and amenities that are hard to surpass anywhere.
Ocala Camping will allow you to explore the area, its attractions and its history at your own leisurely pace. An experience you will long remember.
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