Our county is named in honor of the Seminole Tribe leader Osceola, who is said to have meant “Black Drink” or is a corrupted English pronunciation of the Seminole name for “Black Drink Singer”. Born in 1804, Billy Powell was named at birth, the son of a Black Seminole mother of Creek origin and a white Alabama trader named William Powell. The young Osceola was […]
The KAST Club, or more formally, Kissimmee All-States Tourist Club, was organized in 1924 as a way to attract visitors (and so-called snowbirds) to the Kissimmee area. It was designed as a non-profit organization operating under a State Charter, cordially extending memberships to all citizens, winter residents, and tourists alike. The area strived to showcase its extraordinary climate, while advocating for physical and mental health […]
Like the epic Appalachian family feud between the Hatfields and the McCoys, did you know Orange and Osceola counties have their own version of two legendary families? The Barbers and the Mizells are just that – another epic American tale. Beginning in 1870, the Barber and Mizell family feud would claim the lives of at least eight people and span more than 50 years, ending […]
The Central Florida Railway Historical Society is hosting a Meet and Greet at the Central Florida Railroad Museum and you are invited! Six Central Florida Historical organizations will be gathered in the Museum’s meeting room from 9AM to 3PM on Saturday, May 18 to introduce you to their organization. This will be an excellent opportunity to discover all there is to see, do and learn […]