With its great restaurants, cultural attractions, and quality schools, DeLand, Florida, has all the most appealing amenities of a modern American city. However, it’s also ideal for those who value history and character in a place to live.
Downtown DeLand has a rich heritage and a strong sense of community that make it stand out as a unique city in the heart of Volusia County. Walking through downtown DeLand is like taking a step back in time. With its classic storefronts, century-old architecture, and charming sidewalks, a walking tour through the Historic District is a fun way to learn all about what this city has to offer.
Whether you’re a lifelong DeLand resident, you recently moved, or you’re visiting from out of town, we highly recommend immersing yourself in the history of this unique Florida city.
A Brief Summary Of DeLand’s History
DeLand was founded in 1876 by baking soda manufacturer Henry A. DeLand, who envisioned it as a hub for culture and education and nicknamed it the “Athens of Florida.” Henry DeLand’s vision came to life, and the city has grown into an important part of Central Florida culture.
Today, DeLand’s local culture is vibrant. The city is home to some of the state’s top schools, including Stetson University – Florida’s oldest private college. DeLand also boasts amazing historic architecture that represents a variety of cultures and influences over the centuries.
Thanks to its outstanding preservation efforts, much of DeLand’s original architecture remains intact, which makes it easy to imagine life in the late 1800s. The DeLand Historic District is on the National Register of Historic Places and covers hundreds of buildings that date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
We can tell you all about DeLand’s historic buildings, but a walking tour is the best way to experience all this city has to offer. Here is a quick guide that will help you get started.
DeLand Community Walking Tour: Downtown Landmarks
One of the best things about DeLand is that it’s one of the most walkable cities in Volusia County!
We recommend starting your DeLand community walking tour downtown, which is the heart of the Historic District and a bustling gathering place. You’ll discover a variety of restaurants, boutiques, art galleries, and offices – most of which are housed inside restored commercial buildings.
Here are a few highlights you won’t want to miss:
- Athens Theatre: One of the most important buildings in the city’s history, the Athens Theatre has been at the center of DeLand’s cultural and entertainment experiences since the 1920s. The building is beautiful, and you can’t miss it – its unique Italian Renaissance architecture gives off quite an impression. The theatre is still very active and hosts many local and nationally touring bands, shows, and musicals throughout the year.
- Miller-Fish Building: After a fire in 1886, early settler Charles A. Miller built this two-story brick building that is now a well-known landmark in DeLand. It’s easy to spot because the word “Fish” appears at the top of the building.
- Dreka Building: This former department store was one of the original structures of downtown DeLand. The Dreka Building is three stories of reinforced concrete. Today, it’s known as the New York Plaza and serves as home to the Table Restaurant and Dorothy’s Florist and Gift Shop. It also has office space upstairs.
- DeLand Memorial Hospital Museum: Turn onto N. Stone or N. High Street, and you’ll see the DeLand Memorial Hospital Museum. It was originally DeLand’s first modern hospital. Today, it’s a fantastic museum that highlights DeLand’s medical and military history.
- Stetson University Campus: It’s definitely worth taking a stroll around Stetson University to see beautiful buildings like Elizabeth Hall and Lee Chapel.
- Garden District: A subset of the larger Historic District, the Garden District was once a decaying part of downtown. Today, it’s been transformed into a memorable historic center, including 68 buildings and a plethora of public art.
- Stetson Mansion: There are many historic homes DeLand residents love, but the Stetson Mansion is at the top of the list. As Florida’s most historic home and its only Gilded Age mansion, you’ll definitely want to walk by it if you get the chance. This beautiful building was built in 1886 and is the restored former estate of hat manufacturer John B. Stetson. Guided tours are available.
If you’d really like to dive deep into DeLand history, we recommend a guided walking tour from the West Volusia Historical Society.
Popular Architectural Styles Across The DeLand Community
Not only does DeLand have significant architectural landmarks, but the general architectural styles and themes across its neighborhoods are also a part of its character and history. As you explore the Historic District and downtown neighborhoods, here are some of the home styles you’re likely to notice:
- Queen Anne Victorians: Featuring turrets, beautiful woodwork, and wraparound porches.
- Neoclassical: The most popular style in the late 1800s, known for its domes and rotundas.
- Colonial Revivals: Symmetrical facades and columned entryways epitomize this style.
- Mediterranean Revival: Stucco exteriors and red tile roofs make this style striking.
Many of the commercial buildings from the late 1800s resemble the Masonry Vernacular style, and the local churches have a Gothic Revival theme. By the 1980s and 1990s, many of the older buildings were demolished to accommodate new residential growth. Surrounding areas saw more American Ranch, Contemporary Folk, and geodesic dome-style homes.
Understanding DeLand Community Preservation Efforts
DeLand’s wonderful Historic District is the result of a lot of hard work across organizations like MainStreet DeLand Association, the DeLand Historic Preservation Board, and the Volusia County Historic Preservation Board. These organizations work hard to support local restoration projects and preserve so many buildings that tell the story of DeLand’s rich history. Their efforts enable the city to retain its historic charm and have won it the Great American Main Street Award in 1997. These preservation efforts aren’t just limited to the DeLand community either – they cover Samsula, DeLeon Springs, New Smyrna Beach, and many other historic Volusia County cities.
The Benefits Of Living In A Historic Area With A Strong Community
A strong community, walkability, and vibrant culture and lifestyle are some of the top reasons why people love living in DeLand. However, living in a place with such a rich history has many benefits, too. Beyond the beautiful aesthetics of old buildings, historic cities tend to have a strong sense of community and deep-rooted cultural traditions, and DeLand is no exception.
This strong culture shows up in numerous annual events that residents enjoy throughout the year:
The DeLand Outdoor Art Festival and the Fall Festival of Arts are popular cultural events. DeLand also celebrates the holiday season with unique events and attractions, including the DeLand Christmas Parade, Butler Express Train Rides, and A Christmas Carol live at the Athens Theatre. You’ll also find fun Friday Night Events like jazz nights and classic car shows all throughout the year.
DeLand has even developed an amazing food scene with cuisine inspired by a wide range of cultural influences. After your walking tour, we recommend enjoying a meal at Cress Restaurant, The Table, or The Parched Oak, to name just a few standout selections.
Other Nearby Historic Cities To Explore
Once you’ve learned all about DeLand community history, there are other historic Volusia County cities to explore. Volusia County preservation groups have done an excellent job preserving buildings in other nearby towns, too. Here are some other local landmarks you’ll definitely want to check out:
- Orange City: Be sure to explore the 19th-century Thursby House in Blue Spring State Park. This three-story residence is a monument to Central Florida’s frontier days. It’s now a museum and interpretive center – a true Volusia County time capsule.
- Lake Helen: Named after Henry DeLand’s daughter Helen, this community was founded in 1888 and has beautiful homes. It’s a lovely place to walk or ride your bike.
- New Smyrna Beach: This beach town is loaded with history. Take a stroll down Canal Street and visit the Old Fort Park archaeological site.
- Daytona Beach: The Halifax Historical Museum, which is located in an old bank building, displays artifacts from 5,000 BC to the present day and is one of our favorite historical attractions.
Why History Is So Important to The DeLand Community
DeLand’s history played a major role in shaping the town’s culture and making it such a wonderful place to live. Learning about your city’s history can give you a deeper appreciation for its culture and traditions, making you feel more connected to your community. From its gorgeous historic homes to its preserved Downtown Historic District, the DeLand community has carried its history forward and become one of the most lovable, charming places to live in Volusia County.
If you’re looking to learn more about the DeLand community or want to start exploring homes in the area, contact the REALTORS® at Bee Realty Corp. We’re DeLand’s top real estate broker, and we can help you find the perfect place to live in this historic city.