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Ocala, Florida

Located in Marion County, Florida, Ocala was established in 1846. Known as the 'Horse Capital of the World' with over 1,200 horse farms. Silver Springs is one of Florida's oldest tourist attractions.
Founded 1846 | Population 68,000 | Peak 68,000 (2024) | County Marion County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Ocala, Florida

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1846 Founded: Named for Timucuan chief.
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1861 Railroad Era: Railroad connections spurred growth and commerce in Ocala.
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1943 Horse Country: Thoroughbred horse farms established.
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2010 Modern Era: Ocala continued to develop as part of the region, with new infrastructure and community amenities.
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Latest News in Ocala

Jan 1, 1970
Southwest Flight 2094 Diverted Over Bomb Threat Claim
Southwest Airlines Flight 2094, en route from Nashville to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, encountered a harrowing situation late last n…
Jan 1, 1970
Oregon Democrats Block ICE Notification for Felony Convicts
Oregon Democratic senators have unanimously blocked a bill that would have mandated state authorities to notify U.S. Immigration a…
Jan 1, 1970
Grandpa Opens Fire On Armed Criminals During Home Invasion – His Granddaughter Orchestrated The Whole Heist
Among those arrested was the homeowner’s granddaughter, the orchestrator of the crime.
Jan 1, 1970
Dad And Son Charged With 216 Counts Of Incest, Pay The Price
A father and son in West Virginia has been charged with over 216 counts of incest, sexual assault and sexual abuse that involved t…
Jan 1, 1970
Trump Admin Mocked Over This Small Detail In Venezuela ‘Situation Room’ Photo
In the wake of a bold and controversial U.S. military operation in Venezuela…
Jan 1, 1970
Students Trump Movement Spreads Across Us
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Back in March 2016, a wave of student support for Donald Trump’s presidential bid was picking up steam,…

Complete Historical Timeline

1846 Culture
Founded
1861 Transport
Railroad Era
1943 Business
Horse Country
2010 Culture
Modern Era

Did You Know?

1
Known as the 'Horse Capital of the World' with over 1,200 horse farms.
2
Silver Springs is one of Florida's oldest tourist attractions.
3
Marion County has more horses than any other county east of the Mississippi.
4
Ocala was founded in 1846.
5
Ocala has a population of approximately 68,000.

Famous People from Ocala, Florida

EA
Elizabeth Ashley
Stage Actor, Television Actor · Born Aug 30, 1939 · Age 86
EJ
Erin Jackson
Speed Skater, Inline Speed Skater · Born Sep 19, 1992 · Age 33
BB
Brittany Bowe
Basketball Player, Speed Skater · Born Feb 24, 1988 · Age 38
BM
Buddy MacKay
Lawyer, Politician · Born Mar 22, 1933 · Died Dec 31, 2024 (age 91)
PO
Patrick O'Neal
Stage Actor, Restaurateur · Born Sep 26, 1927 · Died Sep 9, 1994 (age 66)

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SP
St. Petersburg
Pop. 271,017
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