Orlando, Growing City and Tourist Destination
During World War II and beyond, Orlando grew in numbers thanks to the Orlando Army Air Base. Many military personnel decided to stay in Orlando to raise their families after serving and with the establishment of Martin Marietta (now Lockheed Martin) in the late 1950s, Orlando became known for aerospace and defense services.
However, the most life-changing event in the history of Orlando and the Central Florida economy was the creation of Walt Disney World Resort by Walt Disney in the early 1960s. The resort opened in October 1971. and ushered in explosive population and economic growth for the Orlando metropolitan area, now encompassing Orange, Seminole, Osceola and Lake counties. As a result, tourism became the centerpiece of the area’s economy. Fun fact: Orlando now has more theme parks and entertainment attractions than any other place in the world!
Image by Freepik
