Rolling terrain, abundant history, small town ambiance and a slow paced lifestyle characterize Orange City which is nestled at the foot of a pine ridge that extends north to south through west Volusia County. The first inhabitants of the area were Timacuans, a nomadic tribe who found fish and fresh water plentiful here. The earliest permanent settlers may have been Louis and Mary Thursby who arrived by riverboat around 1856 and built a log cabin at the juncture of Blue Spring Run and the St. Johns River. After the Civil War, Florida attracted large numbers of Northerners and Thursby Landing was soon the site of much activity as settlers, mail and supplies arrived regularly from Jacksonville and beyond. A citrus town was settled three miles east of the landing in the winter of 1875 by a colony from Eau Claire, Wisconsin and Orange City was born. It soon developed into a prosperous community, surrounded by orange groves. A newspaper was established in 1881 known as the South Florida Times. The first railroad in Volusia County was built from Orange City to Blue Springs Landing in 1881. It was two miles long and the car was drawn by a mule. The railroad was completed to New Smyrna in the winter of 1886-87. Orange City became an incorporated town August 26, 1882. Today, Orange City’s central location on Highway 17-92, just off Interstate 4 and midway between Orlando and Daytona Beach, puts it within 50 miles of most of Florida’s famous attractions including the Atlantic Ocean and Disney World. Orange City is no longer a small town. Its slow paced living is disappearing rapidly as the neighboring city and county seat of DeLand expands, its growth overflowing its city limits, as well as the neighboring cities of DeBary and Deltona grow in leaps and bounds. In 1998, Orange City had a population of over 10,000 residents. The population is expected to increase to 20,000 by 2010. Orange City is the logical place for added growth with its expanding job market attracting young families and professionals. Jobs in almost any kind of business and industry can be found within easy driving distance. It’s vigorous growth promises opportunities and wealth for the next generation as well as affordable housing, good city and county services, low taxes, excellent education and unlimited recreation. Housing available for area residents include new construction, 100+ year old historic properties, medium and estate-sized lots, older neighborhoods with huge towering trees, plus rental apartments, condominiums and mobile home parks. Outdoor recreation is enjoyed year round due to Orange City’s mild climate. The waterways at Blue Spring State Park, Hontoon Island State Park and DeLeon Springs State Park are chock full of largemouth bass, bluegills, blue and channel catfish and shellcrackers. Eight parks, three of which are State Parks, offer a wide variety of recreation and display of wildlife. The Orange City Library is part of the Volusia County Library system and houses large print books, books on tape and a reference department as well as a generous selection of books. Fish Memorial Hospital offers 97 beds for acute care and outpatient diagnostic center. Three other hospitals are within 15 minutes of Orange City. In addition, over 350 health professionals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities are located in the immediate area.