Neighboring Cities: Mount Dora | Tavares | Eustis | Grand Island
During the Seminole Indian and Civil Wars many soldiers followed the indian trails through the area, although no major battles were fought here. After the Seminole War settlers were granted land if they kept it free of indians for 7 years. After the Civil War, the government did not have the money to pay the soldiers and paid them in land instead. Soldiers from other state returned to Florida to escape the bitter winters and for health reasons. In nearby Sorrento, a J B Sanitarium was in operation for several years. First home in Mt. Plymouth homestead by Col. Toole in 1892. It was headquarters for the Errol Cattle Co. and was known as Overtop Ranch. It was the only home left in Mt. Plymouth after 1926. In the early 1920's notables from the professional sports and business worlds sought a site for a gold and recreation complex with a suitable climate for year round use.Architects were commissioned to draw up suitable plans for the 150 room hotel which was to contain the largest dinning room of the south. The building is divided into 3 parts. The octagonal library card room, twin porticos, chimney with spiral ribbon pattern, dormers and gables are features of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews. Captain Head, golf course architect, laid out the St. Andrews Course patterned after the famous St. Andrews links in Scotland. The 2nd course, the Gleneagle, was laid out but never finished and became part of the airfield. |