By 1886, surrounding land was selling for $1.25 per acre and many citrus groves, totaling 850 acres, were cultivated. The world famous “Temple” orange was discovered in Winter Park and developed in the surrounding groves. The original tree still stands on private property within the city. By 1905, the population of the city was 461.
The chief economic asset in early years, as now, was entertaining winter visitors. The largest hotel in the state, The Seminole, flourished in Winter Park for many years. The winter climate, beautiful forests, swales and fertile soil exerted strong influences on the early settlers and visitors, but the strongest attraction to Central Florida then, as now, was the numerous lakes.
Throughout the years, many cultural advantages have evolved in Winter Park. Rollins College was founded in 1885 by a committee of Congregational ministers as the first institution of higher learning in the state. A tradition of academic excellence and high regard for