Located in Orange County, Florida, the historic town of Eatonville sits just a handful of miles north of Orlando. But what many people don’t know about this small, significant town is that it was the hometown of one of the most prolific writers of her time – Zora Neale Hurston. While Hurston wasn’t born in Eatonville, she did grow up here. Check out why the home of author Zora Neale Hurston still honors her to this very day.
The small town of Eatonville, Florida was incorporated in August of 1887 as one of the very first self-governing all-black municipalities in the entire country.
Flickr Lorie Shaull
With just a population of fewer than 3,000 people today, Eatonville was named after Josiah C. Eaton - a landowner who sold a significant portion of land to African American transplants in order to incorporate the town.
Flickr Lorie Shaull
Today, Eatonville’s Historic District is home to 48 historic buildings, several of which are in relation to the town being established by newly freed enslaved townspeople, who labored to clear land, and planted citrus groves, and crops, and built the town from the ground up.
Flickr Jimmy Emerson, DVM
One of the most well-known residents of this town was writer Zora Neale Hurston, a celebrated author who penned award-winning literature such as Their Eyes Were Watching God.
Flickr Regan Vercruysse
Eatonville celebrates Hurston’s work to this day, as well as her contributions to the area. Visitors can check out the Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts during their visit to the town.
Google Ricardo Di Capusa
Another museum worth visiting in town is The Moseley House. As the second oldest structure in the entire town constructed back in 1888, this house was owned by Jim and Matilda Clark Moseley. Matilda was the niece of the founder of the town.
Flickr Jimmy Emerson DVM
But for anyone who is a literary or history buff, Eatonville will surely amaze as the hometown of one of the most significant writers of our time.
Flickr GPA Photo Archive
Visit Eatonville, Florida, and immerse yourself in an integral part of this country’s history.
Flickr Lorie Shaull
Google Maps Click here to find out where Eatonville is in Florida.
Have you ever visited Eatonville, Florida before? Did you know that it was the home of author Zora Neale Hurston? Share with us your thoughts in the comments section! Or if you’re looking for more information about this small town, check out the Town of Eatonville website.
Flickr Lorie Shaull
Flickr Jimmy Emerson, DVM
Flickr Regan Vercruysse
Google Ricardo Di Capusa
Flickr Jimmy Emerson DVM
Flickr GPA Photo Archive
Google Maps
Click here to find out where Eatonville is in Florida.
Also, while we’re discussing charming towns in Florida, make sure to check out Star Fish Company in the delightful Cortez Village.
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Address: Eatonville, FL, USA
