Longwood

In the 1870s, when the end of the Civil War brought many new people to Florida, the quaint town of Longwood established itself in the Central Florida region and soon became a winter haven for a variety of visitors searching for a warm, healthful climate and new opportunities. Soon inundated with entrepreneurs, small business owners, and more, Longwood's landscape began to change and the town prospered from the orange groves, lumber mills, and other ventures that were built in its midst. Today, with a population reaching 13,000, Longwood retains the ambiance of small-town life while being nestled within an energetic metropolitan area. Much of Longwood's appeal flows from the atmosphere created by the town's many historic buildings and the public parks that provide welcome green space. From the Bradlee-McIntyre House, the only extant 19th-century structure in Seminole and Orange Counties, to "The Senator," the 3,500-year-old timber found in Big Tree Park, the history of Longwood has been lovingly preserved by men and women dedicated to their heritage. With annual events in the historic district such as the Longwood Arts and Crafts Festival and Christmas in Olde Longwood, the city remains true to its roots and to the old-fashioned charm that continues to draw new residents and visitors to this thriving community.