The Exciting History of Clermont, Florida
The city of Clermont, Florida has a fruitful history. This neighboring city of Winter Garden, Florida, was once home to fresh orange and citrus groves. While it does look a bit different today, with all of the building of subdivisions and restaurants, it began as a town for citrus farmers.
Located in Lake County, it’s known for its rolling hills and many lakes. The history of Clermont along with it’s natural beauty, has begun to attract quite a bit of attention. People who are looking to live the lake life while continuing to stay close to everything Central Florida has to offer are heading this way and fast!
Everyone of us at the Erica Diaz Team love all the benefits that come with living in Clermont. That’s why in this article, we are sharing with you the history of Clermont, Florida! So, when you contact us and are ready to make the move you will know how Clermont became what it is today!
The History of Clermont, Florida
When it all Began
Founded in 1884, the city of Clermont, FL is named after the birthplace of one of its French founders, A.F. Wrotnoski. It is a town that consists of just over 16 square miles. Railroads once helped to attract people to the area and by the turn of the century, developers started to advertise to northerners and those in midwestern states, promoting its fabulous weather, health, agriculture benefits and all-around fantastic living conditions. This helped to bring northerners to the area and it breathed a whole new life into the community.
Acres & Acres of Citrus Groves
Edward Denslow organized the Postal Colony Company in 1922. He bought 1,000 acres of land where he then planted citrus groves. These groves were then tended by and became owned by retired postal workers. The city of Clermont became one of the largest citrus growing towns in Florida. The land itself made this area so desirable for citrus growers all thanks in part to its beautiful rolling hills. The land is so desirable as the air flow from the hills and valleys makes for great citrus growing. Clermont, during its citrus boom, often smelled like oranges and citrus, wafting over the town like perfume.
What Happened to all the Citrus Groves?
Once home to a booming citrus industry, Clermont looks a lot different today. It’s now home to residential communities, shopping and dining. Though once upon a time the area was covered in citrus and orange groves, a triple freeze in the 1980’s sadly took out most of the groves. Since the land was worth more money sold as subdivisions than the money made off of the citrus, practically no one took to replanting the groves. Hence why we see Clermont as it stands today.
Clermont Historic Village
The city of Clermont has a historical village where you can see old buildings that have been preserved. There are also homes that were once an integral part of the community. The Clermont Historic Village is situated in the downtown river walk area. With a major focus on the History of Clermont, the village highlights a time from the 1800s to the end of World War II. Clermont was once home to an Army Signal Unit during World War II. There is just so much history of Clermont here to discover. That is why the museum has a high focus on paying tribute to that time.
The Clermont Historic Village is a great place to bring the kids as there is so much history of Clermont to be learned. The guides and volunteers have so much knowledge. They are so kind and more than happy to share with you what they know. There’s also a self-guided tour as well to opt for. Tours are available Friday through Sunday. Please check their website for all other pertinent information, especially their guides due to Covid-19.
Included in the Historic Village Entry Fee
Included in the Clermont Historic Village tour is entry to the World War II Museum, Cooper Memorial Library, Herring Hooks Schoolhouse, Kern House, Outhouse, Townsend House, and Train Depot. This place is definitely worth a visit if you live in the area. It’s a wonderful glimpse at how our Florida ancestors and community lived. Take a stroll by old homes, have a picnic in the park overlooking the lake, while taking in the sights.
Citrus Tower
Built in 1955 and opened for visitors in 1956, the Citrus Tower was a huge tourist attraction. It was once the most famous landmark in all of Orlando. Whisking patrons up in a forty second elevator ride to an observation deck, the tower stands at 226 feet high. This makes for great viewing of the area as you can see for miles and miles.
Built before the arrival of Walt Disney World and Universal, it was the Citrus Tower that was one of the top tourist destinations in the area. The 360-degree view is absolutely mesmerizing as you exit the elevator. When it opened in 1956, one could see the acres and acres of citrus groves from the top level and take in all the beauty of the land. Now, thought the landscape is completely different, one can still marvel at this timeless attraction.
If you haven’t checked out the Citrus Tower yet, it is a great way to connect to the roots of the city. The new owners have opened a coffee shop and added air conditioning to the observation deck so you can truly relax and enjoy the view. They also have plans to open a restaurant in the future as well.
Historic Downtown Clermont
The downtown district of Clermont is an adorable small section of town. It’s filled with little shops and restaurants, bakery, breweries, and more. Though much has not changed since 1962, there is a construction movement currently underway to update the streetscape and make overall “improvements to the area” which are on track to be completed in 2022. This 30-million-dollar project is set to revitalize this area, hoping to breathe new life back into this quaint small town.
New Additions to Bring New Life to Clermont
Art Walk
One thing to look forward to is the Art Walk. This is a new attraction coming to Clermont. The Art Walk encourages patrons to enjoy both the waterfront and downtown area by seamlessly connecting the two. They are also inviting guests shop and dine within the Art Walk itself. The city is hoping this area will become a bustling art district as they rebrand the area. This new area will also help to improve the local job market and help to “fuel the economy.”
Sports Wellness Community
To help align with the town’s moto as Clermont is “the choice of champions,” a 243-acre sports wellness community is also in the works. It is projected that this area will become a global destination for both amateur and professional as well as Olympic events. The plan is to include venues for training and competition as well as a medical facility and living accommodations. This area will also be home to shopping, dining, and entertainment options as well. Currently it is projected that this alone will create thousands of jobs and the economic impact is estimated at over one billion dollars!
Clermont, a Fruitful History and Bright Future
Clermont is full of history and a history that deserves to be remembered. As Clermont takes the next steps to improve and better the community, it is now that we should take the time, especially if you live in Clermont or surrounding areas, to see what our heritage is all about. It’s important to learn about Clermont’s past as we prepare for the future. Walk back in time at the Clermont Historic Village or take a ride up in the Citrus Tower for a view of the ever-changing landscape. Enjoy a stroll through the quaint streets of downtown Clermont and enjoy all the local shops and eateries along the way.
Erica Diaz Team – The Exciting History of Clermont, Florida
If you just so happen to fall in love with area while checking out the history of Clermont and decided you want to move here, the Erica Diaz Team can help! We are a team of experienced realtors who know the area well and can most definitely help you find your next home. If you have a current home you need to sell, we can also assist in that as well! Contact us today and let us find you your dream house in beautiful town of Clermont, Florida.
