The Historic Small Town In Florida That Was Home To Zora Neale Hurston Once Upon A Time
By Marisa Roman|Updated on April 09, 2024(Originally published August 18, 2022)
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Marisa Roman
Author
A New Jersey native with over 15 years of writing experience, Marisa has studied at both New York University and Florida International University. She has lived all over the country, including a decade stint in South Florida. Marisa is well-versed in exploration as she travels a good majority of the year in her self-converted Sprinter van. Her articles have been featured in various notable publications over the years, she has a published collection of short stories, and three completed screenplays under her belt.
Located in Orange County, Florida, the historic town of Eatonville sits just a handful of miles north of Orlando. But what many people don’t know about this small, significant town is that it was the hometown of one of the most prolific writers of her time – Zora Neale Hurston. While Hurston wasn’t born in Eatonville, a small town in Florida, she did grow up here. Check out why the home of author Zora Neale Hurston still honors her to this very day.
The small town of Eatonville, Florida was incorporated in August of 1887 as one of the very first self-governing all-black municipalities in the entire country.
With just a population of fewer than 3,000 people today, Eatonville was named after Josiah C. Eaton - a landowner who sold a significant portion of land to African American transplants in order to incorporate the town.
Today, Eatonville’s Historic District is home to 48 historic buildings, several of which are in relation to the town being established by newly freed enslaved townspeople, who labored to clear land, planted citrus groves and crops, and built the town from the ground up.
One of the most well-known residents of this town was writer Zora Neale Hurston, a celebrated author who penned award-winning literature such as Their Eyes Were Watching God.
Eatonville, FL celebrates Hurston’s work to this day, as well as her contributions to the area. Visitors can check out the Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts during their visit to the town.
Another museum worth visiting in town is The Moseley House. As the second oldest structure in the entire town constructed back in 1888, this house was owned by Jim and Matilda Clark Moseley. Matilda was the niece of the founder of the town.
But for anyone who is a literary or history buff, Eatonville will surely amaze as the hometown of Zora Neale Hurston, one of the most significant writers of our time.
Visit Google Maps to find out where Eatonville is in Florida.
Have you ever visited Eatonville, a small town in Florida, before? Did you know that it was the home of author Zora Neale Hurston? Share with us your thoughts in the comments section! Or if you’re looking for more information about this small town, check out the Town of Eatonville website. Also, while we’re discussing charming towns in Florida, make sure to check out Star Fish Company in the delightful Cortez Village.
If you love the Sunshine State as much as I do, check out the incredible Florida apparel from our friends at Wear Your Roots!
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