Welcome to Avon Park, with its historic green "Mile Long Mall" and landmark Jacaranda Hotel, downtown Avon Park recalls an epoch in Florida whose memory continues to linger.
The town's origin dates back to 1884 when a writer from Danbury Connecticut became fascinated with the area's pristine beauty and agricultural potential. Oliver Martin Crosby was first introduced to Florida when he signed on as editor of "The South" a New York publication that promoted Florida to northeners. He became an original investor and marketed the area abroad. One of his respondents was a dynamic couple from England, Mr. and Mrs. William King. After settling in the area Mrs. King suggested they change the name from Lake Forest to Avon Park. "This beautiful wilderness of stately pines and clear lakes" reminded her of her original home, Stratford-on-Avon.
Today, Avon Park remains a community with a quiet demeanor and comfortable lifestyle. Its proximity to Highlands County's many recreational, educational and cultural venues make it a very desirable place to call home. Visitors and residents enjoy the area's over 30 lakes, historic buildings, 106,000 acres of forest and rangeland and a unique brand of Florida living.
The town's origin dates back to 1884 when a writer from Danbury Connecticut became fascinated with the area's pristine beauty and agricultural potential. Oliver Martin Crosby was first introduced to Florida when he signed on as editor of "The South" a New York publication that promoted Florida to northeners. He became an original investor and marketed the area abroad. One of his respondents was a dynamic couple from England, Mr. and Mrs. William King. After settling in the area Mrs. King suggested they change the name from Lake Forest to Avon Park. "This beautiful wilderness of stately pines and clear lakes" reminded her of her original home, Stratford-on-Avon.
Today, Avon Park remains a community with a quiet demeanor and comfortable lifestyle. Its proximity to Highlands County's many recreational, educational and cultural venues make it a very desirable place to call home. Visitors and residents enjoy the area's over 30 lakes, historic buildings, 106,000 acres of forest and rangeland and a unique brand of Florida living.
The Avon Park Historic District runs along Main Street from South Delaney Avenue to US 27, encompasses approximately 250 acres, and contains 13 historic buildings and 1 object. It was added to the US National Register of Historic Places on March 22, 1990.
Avon Park's "Gracious Lady", the Jacaranda Hotel boasts high ceilings and quiet hallways. Among its famous guests were the likes of Babe Ruth, Clark Gable, George Burns and Gracie Allen. Among its first guests were members of the St. Louis Cardinals, who came to Avon Park for spring training from 1927 to 1929. During World War II, the grand hotel played a hand in the war effort by housing hundreds of servicemen who had come to the area to train as military pilots.
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