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Discovering Florida: A Brief History of St. Cloud

For more than a century, St. Cloud has been a historic part of Florida’s famous journey from British, French, and Spanish-owned territory to American soil. The original site began as a retirement settlement for Civil War veterans, giving it the nickname ‘The Soldier City.’ But today, it’s a modern area with small-town charm.

Nestled just outside of metropolises like Orlando and Kissimmee, the city is growing in popularity. In fact, new homes in St. Cloud, FL are in high demand today. But what is it about this 19th-century city that intrigues so many residents and visitors? Let’s take a look at the history of St. Cloud.

Where It Began: The Foundation of St. Cloud

When we talk about the earliest days of St. Cloud, we’re discussing the area known today as Downtown St. Cloud. This small vicinity began thanks to a government initiative created to reward the military service of those who served in the Civil War. Veterans who qualified could claim parcels of land for as little as $50 in appreciation for their service. Although the area was unsettled at the time, many veterans jumped at the chance to own property and settle in this territory with no name.

Still, we might not have St. Cloud as it is today if it wasn’t for the works of men like Hamilton Disston. He and some of his fishermen friends lived in Philadelphia and visited Florida in the 1870s. Disston’s research on sugarcane in the area of Southport paved the way for the first sugar factory at East Lake Tohopekaliga. His contributions might be all but forgotten, but his name still lives on in Lake Disston, a tributary off the St. John’s River.

Over the years, the factory and plantation were abandoned, but by then, the Sugar Belt Railway merged with the South Florida Railway, bringing more people to the St. Cloud area. It was eventually acquired by SLIC, the Seminole Land and Investment Company, who came up with the idea to offer the land to Civil War Union veterans.

This brought Col. John McElroy into the picture. Col. McElroy is credited with creating the original street names, using the names of states to label them. His strategy was to use Union state names for the north and south streets, and Confederate state names for the east and west roads.

Growing St. Cloud

With 35,000 acres of land and the support of the Grand Army of the Republic and the Seminole Land & Investment Company behind it, St. Cloud was destined to grow. Yet, the factors that made it truly thrive had nothing to do with money. Located in a favorable area of Florida, St. Cloud’s climate was ideal for fertile soil and many agricultural ventures. What began as a government initiative with 86 veterans quickly boomed into a full-blown town with a population of more than 1,700 people. St. Cloud was incorporated as a city on January 3, 1911.

The growth of the area continued to increase, even during the country’s decline in the years of the Great Depression. While many cities struggled to match employment opportunities with population, St. Cloud had the backing of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The CCC partnered with the New Deal programs to offer employment opportunities to those wishing to work on conservation of natural resources and the development of public infrastructures. This initiative provided thousands of otherwise down-and-out individuals and families with an income and, crucially, a purpose and hope in a period of dark days and nights.

Those who came to work in St. Cloud often lived in one of the many camps, which led to a community-style of living. And since the workers also included many veterans, the nickname Soldier City continued to be a part of the atmosphere, encouraging those living there to stay connected.

In 1925, the St. Cloud train depot was dedicated, making it easier to travel to, from, and through this burgeoning city, and cementing its place as a permanent territory in Florida’s past and future.

St. Cloud Today

Modern-day St. Cloud is much larger and active than its original roots. Today, the city sits on nearly three miles of lakefront property, full of charm and scenic beauty revealed to residents and visitors in the massive parks program. While the camps have been long replaced with permanent homes, the spirit of Soldier City lives on.

Visitors to St. Cloud will quickly see the nuances of the city’s military heritage. You don’t have to look too far to see the many memorials to the veterans who not only fought for the country, but also established the city of St. Cloud before it had a name. Throughout the year, the city holds events to remind its population of the sacrifices given by those who served — and still serve — to keep our country free.

If you’re planning a trip to St. Cloud, whether as a visitor or a new resident, be sure to spend some time at Veteran’s Park. This quiet, expansive area was designed to give everyone a place to remember and honor those who sacrificed their lives and fought for our nation. Once you’ve paid tribute to those memories, you may want to learn more about the history of St. Cloud and the veterans who built this now-bustling area. The St. Cloud Heritage Museum displays records and artifacts of the earliest days of Soldier City, commemorating more than a century of social and political growth.

Take a Trip to St. Cloud

A visit to Downtown St. Cloud transports you into the atmosphere of a charming small town, with reminders everywhere of the city’s close-knit military and family-focused beginnings. The values that originally founded the town — including appreciation for sacrifice, honor, and the country — continue to be part of the fabric of St. Cloud. Soldier City is often overshadowed by its metropolitan neighbors, but one can’t help but feel the pride and devotion that built this small town from nothing but land into a resilient and bountiful city growing in population and demand nearly one and a half centuries later.