National Register Listing

Marion Hotel

108 N. Magnolia Ave., Ocala, FL
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

architecture social history inns, hotels, motels
The Miami Beach Art Deco District is home to the largest collection of Art Deco architecture in the world, with over 800 buildings from the 1920s and 1930s still standing and in use today.
Florida random facts
Marion County is located in central Florida and has a rich and diverse history. The area was first inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Timucua and Seminole tribes, who lived off the land and thrived in the region. European explorers arrived in the 16th century, with Spanish conquistadors exploring the area in search of gold and claiming the land for Spain.

In the early 19th century, settlers began moving into the area, and the town of Ocala was established as the county seat in 1846. Ocala quickly became a hub for agriculture, particularly citrus farming, and was known as the "Kingdom of the Sun" due to its sunny weather and fertile soil. The region was also home to large cattle ranches, as well as phosphate mining operations.

During the Civil War, Marion County was divided, with some residents supporting the Confederacy and others supporting the Union. The war took its toll on the region, but Ocala rebounded after the war, with the expansion of railroad lines connecting the town to other parts of Florida.

In the 20th century, Marion County continued to grow, with the establishment of the Ocala National Forest, which provided recreational opportunities and protected the natural beauty of the area. The county also saw the development of the thoroughbred horse industry, with many horse farms and training centers located in the area. Today, Marion County is a thriving community with a mix of agriculture, tourism, and residential areas, rich in history and natural beauty.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Marion County, Florida.

  • 1821 - Marion County is created and named after General Francis Marion.
  • 1823 - The first white settlers arrive in the area.
  • 1836-1842 - Marion County is heavily involved in the Seminole Wars.
  • 1844 - The county seat is established in Ocala.
  • 1852 - The Florida Railroad reaches Ocala, boosting the local economy.
  • 1861-1865 - Marion County supports the Confederacy during the Civil War.
  • 1875 - The Florida Agriculture College (now known as the University of Florida) opens in Lake City.
  • 1877 - The Ocala Banner newspaper is established.
  • 1890 - Ocala experiences a major fire, leading to the construction of new brick buildings.
  • 1911 - The historic Marion Theatre is built in downtown Ocala.
  • 1935 - The Ocala National Forest is established.
  • 1940s-1950s - The horse industry becomes prominent in Marion County.
  • 1985 - Silver Springs, a popular tourist attraction, becomes a state park.
  • 1995 - The World Equestrian Center is established in Ocala.
  • 2000s - Marion County experiences significant growth in population and development.