City of Maitland

City of Maitland Municipal Water Report Information

About Maitland: The City of Maitland (population 18,500) stands as one of Central Florida's most charming communities, featuring beautiful tree-lined parks, friendly neighborhoods, vibrant arts and history scenes, a growing downtown center, and a prominent commercial district.

Historical Background
Maitland ranks among the oldest incorporated municipalities in Central Florida with a rich historical heritage. Originally called Fumecheliga ("Musk Mellon Place") by Seminole Indians, it was established as Fort Maitland in 1838 by the U.S. Army. The fort was named after Captain William Seton Maitland, a Seminole Wars hero who ironically never visited the area, having fallen in battle near Tampa.

During this period, access to Central Florida was limited to boat travel from Jacksonville down the St. Johns River to Fort Mellon (now Sanford), followed by horse or foot travel. Fort Maitland served as a strategic rest stop between Fort Mellon and Fort Gatlin (Orlando), situated on Lake Maitland's western shore along the Old Black Bear Trail, which extended from Montreal, Canada to St. Petersburg, Florida.

Community Development
As Indian conflicts subsided and the fort was dismantled, settlers were drawn to the area's natural springs and extensive pine forests. Following the Civil War, newcomers purchased large land tracts for citrus cultivation. The first property deed was issued in 1873 to George H. Packwood, who constructed a community hall on what is now City Hall property.

By 1876, flourishing orange groves prompted Dr. Haskell of the Boston Herald to develop a railroad from Jacksonville to Maitland, completed in 1880. For years, Maitland boasted an ice factory, clothing stables, and a central packing facility shipping up to 300,000 boxes of fruit annually. The town was formally incorporated as Lake Maitland in 1885.

Modern Growth
Despite devastating freezes in the 1890s that drove many grove owners away, the town persevered. The space program brought attention to Central Florida in the 1950s when Martin Marietta Corporation relocated from Baltimore to Orlando. Maitland's proximity to the plant made it a natural residential choice for employees.

In 1959, a new charter changed the name from Lake Maitland to Maitland. The 1960s saw significant construction along Maitland and Orlando Avenues, with Disney World's 1971 arrival further accelerating growth. Between 1972 and 1979, five financial institutions and twelve residential subdivisions were developed in Maitland.

The late 1970s saw the development of Maitland Center west of Interstate 4, which continues to expand within city limits. While embracing growth, residents maintain pride in preserving historic residences within an established "historical corridor" encompassing the Lake Lily-Lake Catherine area.

The Florida Audubon Society, founded in Maitland, continues its wild bird protection efforts on Lake Sybelia. The City of Maitland maintains its strong residential identity, supported by the area's natural beauty and diverse regional economy.