A Brief history of Arcadia
Because Arcadia is one of the older small towns in the area and was the county seat
before the formation of the present counties, Oak Street is far more elaborate than
neighboring main streets. Arcadia is also home to many early 20th century homes and
several historic buildings.
Some historians say that The Reverend Hendry, aka “Boss,” named the town in honor of
Arcadia Albritton, a daughter of pioneer settlers who baked him a birthday cake. That must
have been some cake.
As it is with many towns in inland Florida, Arcadia’s development hinged on the railroad.
In 1886 the Florida Southern Railway (later the Atlantic Coastline Railroad) was built
through Arcadia on its way from Bartow to Punta Gorda. The railway brought a population
boom to the town, which led to Arcadia becoming incorporated in 1887.
