Ormond Beach’s earliest settlers were English and the Timucua Indians.  After Volusia County was created in 1854, there were only 20 families living in the entire county.

Some families originally from Georgia and the Carolinas created the Tomoka Settlement.  These settlers lost their livelihood by a big freeze that killed their orange groves between 1895-1896.

Another group of settlers from New Britain, CT lived on the west bank of the Halifax River.  They called this area New Britain until 1880 when the town was incorporated and called Ormond.

In the early 1900’s it was discovered that the new invention, the automobile, could ride on the sand.  In 1902 an unofficial race took place on Ormond Beach sponsored by Ransome E. Olds and Henry Winton.  In 1903 the American Automobile Association got involved and Ormond Beach became known as the “Birthplace of Speed”.  Today, there are still areas where you can drive on the beach.

Ormond Beach had several famous residents including the Astors, the Vanderbilts and the Flaglers.  One of the most famous was John D. Rockefeller.  His home was called “The Casements” and he lived in this winter home until he died in 1937.  The Casements is on the National Register of Historic Places and is now a cultural center for Ormond Beach.

Ormond Beach today has many of the amenities that attracted famous people many years ago.  Miles of pristine beaches, rivers and forests make this area special.  In 2002 the Leisure Services Department was one of the top four programs in the nation.

One park you don’t want to miss is the Bulow Creek State Park, which has the largest area of Southern Live Oak along the east coast of Florida.  The park has a hardwood swamp, tidal creeks, a salt marsh and 3230 acres of upland forest.

Another popular park is Tomoka State Park.  This park allows visitors to camp where Native Americans once lived beneath the scenic oaks and beautiful lagoons.

With its appealing climate, Ormond Beach allows residents and visitors to enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities.  Water sports can be enjoyed on the many rivers and in the Atlantic Ocean.  If your more comfortable on land there is a world-class soccer complex and several golf courses.

This town, which was originally established as a tourist haven for the rich and famous, has become an ideal place to visit, but a better place to live.