Neighboring Cities: Maitland | Eatonville | Lockhart | Ocoee | Pine Hills | Union Park | Orlando
The history of Winter Park began with an eight-acre plot purchased in 1858 by David Mizell, Jr. He called the area Lake View. In 1881, Loring Chase bought 600 acres of land with Oliver Chapman, and by late summer the town of Winter Park was plotted. Throughout the years, many cultural advantages have evolved in Winter Park. Rollins College was founded in 1885 by a committee of Congregational ministers as the first institution of higher learning in the state. A tradition of academic excellence and high regard for the arts in all forms has resulted in the nationally recognized Spring Art Festival, the Bach Festival, a strong drama community with many fine presentations each year, as well as an almost continuous round of recitals, exhibitions and other manifestations of culture and arts.