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What is the history of Citrus? Early Spanish explorers (most likely Ponce de Leon) planted the first orange trees near St. Augustine, Florida in the 1500s. Commercial production began nearly 300 years later – after the Civil War – when the development of the railroad allowed citrus growers to ship their products across the country.
- Discovery
Florida Citrus originated in 1493 when Christopher Columbus...
- Early Years
In 1860, the community of Leesburg, Fl. emerged as the first...
- Discovery
Florida is one of the world’s largest producers of citrus, yet citrus did not have its beginnings here. It originally came from southeast Asia and spread westward. Oranges first reached the New World in 1493, carried aboard ships commanded by Christopher Columbus.
Florida Citrus originated in 1493 when Christopher Columbus brought oranges to the New World. In 1513, Spanish explorers including Ponce De Leon, Hernan Cortez, and Hernando DeSoto brought citrus to Florida.
Damage to an orange grove because of cold: Bartow, Florida (1894) Image number: FR0323. General note: Streaty Parker's orange grove is pictured. Many groves in the state looked like this after one of two freezes that occurred in the state on December 27, 1894.
In 1860, the community of Leesburg, Fl. emerged as the first citrus center of the state. A bustling town located at the head of the Ocklawaha River, oranges were hauled there from as far away as 50 to 60 miles by horse, wagon, or boat.
From the early pioneers who established the first orange groves to the modern-day growers and packers who continue to innovate and improve their products, the Florida orange industry has a rich and fascinating history that is worthy of celebration and recognition.
Citrus is an integral part of Florida’s identity, intertwined with its history, part of its landscape, and still leaving its intoxicating mark today. In the Sunshine State, the orange is the official state fruit, orange juice is the state beverage, and the orange blossom is the state flower.
