Our unique town offers gorgeous natural springs, hiking and mountain biking trails, an elegant horse country and at the center of it all… a beautiful Downtown Ocala with a rich history full of stories. We invite you to explore this history through our self-guided mobile walking tour traveling through the Downtown nestled in North Central Florida.
Immerse yourself in more than 100 years of history while exploring Downtown. The best part, you can grab a bite, sip and shop at many of the historical stops along the way! See our Downtown Dining Guide for a list of places to eat and drink.
Ocala’s Early Beginnings
Ocala’s history begins in 1846 when David Bruton surveyed the land and laid out the city grid. A public square was designated for a future courthouse, and the town gradually took shape with essential buildings like a post office and jail. Despite setbacks like the Civil War, Ocala’s population grew steadily, boosted by the arrival of the railroad in 1876. By the 1880s, the city was experiencing a period of economic growth and expansion.
Ocala’s development accelerated in the early 1880s with the construction of new buildings, including the impressive Palace Hotel. The city was becoming a regional commercial hub, attracting new residents and businesses. However, this promising growth was abruptly halted by a devastating event.
Becoming “The Brick City”
On Thanksgiving Day, 1883, a devastating fire ravaged the city, destroying much of its wooden downtown. The blaze consumed five blocks leaving the community in shock and facing the daunting task of rebuilding. Determined to prevent future disasters, Ocala residents and business owners made a conscious decision to construct new buildings primarily from brick. This shift in building materials not only enhanced fire safety but also gave the city a unique architectural character. As a result of this rebuilding process, Ocala became known throughout the state as the “Brick City.“
Historical Tour Stops
Click each tour stop below for historical information.
A project brought to you by Ocala Main Street and sponsored in part by the Department of State, Division of Historical Resources and the State of Florida
A big thank you to the City of Ocala for their support and the Historic Ocala Preservation Society for helping collect all the information!
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