Arcadia, Florida
| Arcadia, Florida | |
|---|---|
| City | |
Arcadia Historic District
|
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 Location in DeSoto County and the state of Florida |
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| Country | United States |
| State | Florida |
| County | DeSoto |
| The City of Arcadia | 1886 |
| Named for | Arcadia Albritton |
| Government | |
| • Type | Council-Manager |
| • Mayor | Susan Coker |
| • Deputy Mayor | Alice Frierson |
| • Councilman | Joseph Fink |
| • Councilwoman | Judy Hinson Wertz Strickland |
| • Councilman | Delshay Turner |
| Area | |
| • Total | 4.09 sq mi (10.59 km2) |
| • Land | 4.08 sq mi (10.57 km2) |
| • Water | 0.008 sq mi (0.02 km2) |
| Elevation | 60 ft (20 m) |
| Population (2010) | |
| • Total | 7,637 |
| • Estimate (2014) | 7,722 |
| • Density | 1,892/sq mi (730.6/km2) |
| Time zone | EST (UTC-5) |
| • Summer (DST) | EDT (UTC-4) |
| ZIP codes | 34265, 34266 & 34269 |
| Area code(s) | 863 |
| FIPS code | 12-01750 |
| Website | www |
Arcadia is a city and county seat of DeSoto County, Florida, United States. The population was 7,637 as of the 2010 census, with an estimated population of 7,722 in 2014. Arcadia's Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
According to The Atlas of Florida, "The Rev. James Madison ("Boss") Hendry (1839–1922) named the town in honor of Arcadia Albritton (1861–1932), a daughter of Thomas H. and Fannie (Waldron) Albritton, pioneer settlers. Arcadia had baked him a cake for his birthday and he appreciated it so much that he named the city after her."
During the late 19th century Arcadia was the county seat of what would become many counties. In 1921 legislation enacted called for Arcadia to remain the county seat of DeSoto County and resulted in the creation of the present-day counties of Charlotte, Hardee, Glades and Highlands. Prior to this breakup Arcadia's population had grown considerably, with over 1,000 permanent residents and 3,000 square miles (7,800 km2) for ranching.
On Thanksgiving Day in 1905 the town was destroyed by a large-scale fire that originated from a mid-town livery stable. The fire was exacerbated because the town did not have a working water system or fire department. The estimated monetary damage was $250,000, but there was no loss of life. Much of the business district was not spared. It would be years before the town recovered.
Oak Street is the "main street" in Arcadia. The downtown is far more elaborate than neighboring counties' downtown areas, as Arcadia is older and was their county seat prior to the formation of their present counties. Arcadia is also home to many early 20th century homes, houses of worship and several historic public buildings.
From 1917 to 1922, Arcadia was the home of Carlstrom Field, a grass airfield of the U.S. Army Air Service named for deceased aviation pioneer Victor Carlstrom. Carlstrom Field was used for pilot training both during and after World War I. In May 1941 the site again became an airfield for military primary flight training, operated by the Embry–Riddle Aeronautical Institute (now Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University). Carlstrom Field, one of several satellite fields in the Fort Myers area, also trained pilots for the Royal Air Force until its closing in 1945.
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