Why Is Orlando Called The city Beautiful? When Did That Start?

In 1908 Orlando was nicknamed The City Beautiful because the residents were tired of the old nickname which was The Phenomenal City. Considering the downtown Orlando area most would agree The City Beautiful is accurate. The local theme parks are no doubt phenomenal.

Downtown Orlando | Orlando Florida

The City Beautiful A Prophecy More than A Reality in 1908

The Phenomenal City was much more accurate back in 1908. The area and even the city was much more focused on cattle and farming than beautification. Public officials had aspirations of grandeur and wanted to develop this Central Florida town into something much more. They could see the potential of the location and weather and plenty of space was available.

What happened next? Well they looked to other cities they wished to mimic. Thriving and progressive cities that were part of beautification movement between the 1890's and 1920 which involved natural landscaping, parks, museums and more urban planning. Some would say the nickname was borrowed or stolen. I would say that Orlando just showed places like Cleveland and Chicago how to use the mane correctly.

Orlando International Airport & O Town

If ever a place said, welcome to the City Beautiful it was and is the Orlando International Airport. Orlando the City Beautiful, Walt Disney World, Universal and the rest of orange County's theme parks should have a gorgeous airport and we certainly do. After all over 70,000,000 visit the City of Orlando although most do not venture north to see downtown Orlando and learn to appreciate the City Beautiful nickname. Instead they stick with their favorite theme park.