Once inhabited by the Timucua, explored by Hernando Desoto, and claimed by Spanish, British, French, Seminole, and American settlers: the place now called Maitland became the site of Ft. Maitland, Florida in 1838 to serve as a resting place for American soldiers during the Second Seminole War. Known as Fumecheliga (Muskmelon Place), Ft. Maitland, Lake Maitland, and finally Maitland — it was home to cattlemen, citrus farmers, railroads, northern visitors, businesses, and families. The first deed to property was granted in 1872 and Maitland soon became a home for pioneer families and a destination for vacationers.
The Florida Audubon Society was founded in Maitland at the Dommerich Estate in 1900. The telephone exchange was started in 1910 and the first grouted, brick road in Florida was constructed around Lake Lily in 1916. In 1937 Andre Smith founded the Art Research Studio. Just before 1940, Mayor H.M. Keyes issued a booklet describing Maitland this way. “The pleasure of country life, quiet, beauty of scenery, healthful atmosphere, boating, fishing, and outdoor activities are here combined with the best aspects of town life, such as modern conveniences, congenial neighbors, community house, well-organized public library, social life in church and club, while the proximity of Winter Park and Orlando provides opportunities in the way of shops, theatre, and music found only in large cities . . . for the man who has interests in the city, but wishes to bring up his family amid natural and simple surroundings, there is here an opportunity for a suburban home, which, besides the benefits already mentioned, offers excellent educational advantages.”
More Recent History
In the 1950s the population surged as Martin Marietta employees moved in. Subdivisions sprang up and Maitland, Florida as it is known today began to take shape. A little park called Disney also made an impact on this area. Civic organizations, schools, environmental concerns for the natural beauty of the area, and cultural activities have all shaped the spirit of the city as Maitland continues to grow.