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From about 7500 B.C. until about the 1st century A. D. when they disappeared for unknown reasons, Indians were believed to have lived on the shores of Lake Apopka. Then for around 400 years the region appeared to have been uninhabited.
When the Spaniards arrived in Florida in the 16th century, the Acuera tribe of the Timucua confederation was said to have lived in the Apopka area, growing crops and trading. By 1730 these natives were decimated by war and diseases brought by the Europeans and had also disappeared.
Then early in the 19th century, Indians once again inhabited the Lake Apopka area. There was a Seminole village on Lake Apopka, or Ahapopka, as they pronounced it. It remained an active village until the outbreak of the Second Seminole War in the mid 1830s. Coacoochee (Wild Cat), one of the most famous and influential War Chiefs, was born here and ruled as Chief of about 200 Indians until this village was evacuated and the natives sought refuge in the swampy areas around the St. Johns River.
The Armed Occupation Act of 1842 brought white settlers to the Apopka area. They received 160 acres if they would settle them. These Pioneers and those that followed after the Civil War from the northern states began converting the area into what it is today.
The settlement grew, attracting developers and settlers because of the beautiful climate and the agricultural opportunities as an important trading center in the 1850s. It was around this building that the town grew in the 1860's and 1870's and ultimately became the Town of Apopka City incorporated in 1882.
Apopka is still thriving today and is one of the fastest-growing cities in Orange County Florida. Apopka is home to more than 45,000 citizens in the greater Apopka area.
Apopka is surrounded by wonderful Natural Springs. Wekiwa Springs State Park, with its unspoiled Woodlands, is the largest park in Central Florida. Just one hour from most of Central Florida's attractions, Wekiwa Springs offers visitors the opportunity to relax in a natural setting, enjoy a picnic, or take a swim in the cool spring. Canoeists and kayakers can paddle along the Wekiva River and Rock Springs Run. Thirteen miles of trails provide opportunities for hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding. Options for camping include a full facility campground and primitive camping areas. You can rent canoes and kayaks or bring your own.
Rock Springs is a wonderful natural free flowing clear Spring, perfect for snorkeling. The sand pine scrub, pine flatwoods, swamps, and miles of pristine shoreline along Rock Springs Run and the Wekiva River make this reserve a refuge of natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy bicycling, hiking, or horseback riding along 17 miles of trails. Guided trail rides and horse rentals are available. It is surrounded by historic Kelly Park, where you can enjoy the Magnificent Oaks and Hickory trees on this 204 acre state park. | 