Sumter County, Florida

4th Infantry (Ivy) Division 82nd Airborne Division Association 8th Air Force Adamsville Address by President Lincoln Air Force Association (Florida) All American Veterans Buried Here All Marines All Navy Women All Women Marines American Defenders of Bataan & Corregidor American Ex-Prisoners of War Baker House Disabled American Veterans Flame Of Freedom Florida National Cemetery Florida Veterans of World War I For God and Country For Those Who Served Fourth Marine Division Association WWII Ft. Armstrong Gone But Not Forgotten Guadalcanal Italian American War Veterans Korean Service Memorial Military Order Of Devil Dogs National Sojourners Memorial Navy Seabees Oak Grove Cemetery Confederate Veterans Memorial On This Spot Parson Brown Orange Tree Pilaklikaha/Abraham's Town Polish Legion of American Veterans, U.S.A. Pride and Honor Purple Heart Reserve Officers Association Retired Enlisted Association Royal School Site Submarine Service Memorial Sumter County Farmers Market Sumter County World War II Veterans Sumterville Supreme Sacrifice The Americal Division The Battle of Wahoo Swamp The Carillon The Chosin Few The Forgotten Theater The Military Chaplains Association The Military Order of the World Wars The Ultimate Sacrifice The Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps and The Women’s Army Corps To All Navy Personnel Who Served Aboard Destroyers To Those Who Died – To Those Who Survived United States Coast Guard Veterans of Foreign Wars Wild Cow Prairie Cemetery “Let Valor Not Fail” “Nous Resterons La” (We Are Staying Here)
Sumter County, located in central Florida, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Timucua and Seminole Indians. These tribes lived off the land, utilizing the county's abundant natural resources for sustenance.

In the 16th century, Spanish explorers arrived in the region, establishing relationships with local tribes. The establishment of Fort Dade in the mid-19th century played a significant role in the county's history. The fort was built during the Second Seminole War and served as a crucial defensive point. It later became a stopping point for settlers and traders traveling through the region.

The 20th century brought significant changes to Sumter County. The introduction of railroads in the early 1900s helped connect the county to other parts of Florida, facilitating trade and transportation. Sumter County's economy relied heavily on agriculture, particularly citrus farming, cattle ranching, and vegetable production.

In recent decades, Sumter County has experienced rapid growth and development. The expansion of The Villages, a massive retirement community, has significantly impacted the county's economy and population. The Villages is now one of the largest retirement communities in the United States, attracting thousands of retirees each year.

Overall, Sumter County's history is a blend of Native American heritage, Spanish exploration, and agricultural development. Today, it stands as a vibrant community with a diverse population and a mix of traditional and modern influences.
Brief timeline of the history of Sumter County, Florida:

  • 1821 - Sumter County is officially created as a county in Florida.
  • 1831 - The first permanent settlement in the county is established at Adamsville.
  • 1845 - Florida becomes a state, and Sumter County is part of its territory.
  • 1853 - Sumterville is established as the county seat.
  • 1861-1865 - Sumter County sees significant involvement in the American Civil War.
  • 1881 - The railroad arrives in Sumter County, boosting economic development.
  • 1902 - Wildwood becomes the new county seat, replacing Sumterville.
  • 1957 - The federal government establishes the Withlacoochee State Forest in parts of Sumter County.
  • 1995 - The Villages, a master-planned retirement community, begins development in Sumter County.
  • 2020 - Sumter County celebrates its 199th anniversary since its creation.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Sumter County, Florida.