Hello From
Eatonville!
“The Oldest Incorporated African American Municipality in the U.S.”
Eatonville
A Town in Orange County, Florida
Eatonville holds a unique and nationally significant place in American history. Established by formerly enslaved individuals, it became the first self-governing, all-Black municipality in the United States. The town is deeply connected to author and folklorist Zora Neale Hurston, who grew up in Eatonville and drew inspiration from its people and culture in her writing. Today, Eatonville remains a small but culturally rich community that celebrates its heritage through festivals, storytelling, education, and preservation efforts. Its close proximity to Orlando and Winter Park allows residents to enjoy metropolitan opportunities while remaining rooted in a town defined by legacy and pride.
Audubon Center for Birds of Prey, Eatonville, Florida
Location & Size
Eatonville is located north-central Orange County in Central Florida.
The town spans about 1.2 square miles and is located roughly 8 miles north of downtown Orlando.
Eatonville boarders Winter Park to the south and Maitland to the west. Altamonte Springs lies about 4 miles north.
Despite its small size, Eatonville’s location places it within minutes of major roadways, cultural institutions, and employment centers.
Founded
Eatonville was officially incorporated in 1887, making it the oldest incorporated African American municipality in the United States. The town was founded by a group of Black entrepreneurs, ministers, and civic leaders who sought to establish a self-governing community during the Reconstruction era. One of its early leaders, Joseph E. Clark, played a key role in shaping the town’s development. Eatonville quickly became a center for Black education, business ownership, and civic leadership. Its legacy continues today through preservation efforts and cultural programming that honors the town’s foundational role in African American history.
Population
Eatonville has a population of approximately 2,300 residents.
Known For
• Oldest incorporated African American town in the United States
• Connection to Zora Neale Hurston
• Annual Zora Neale Hurston Festival of the Arts and Humanities
• Strong cultural preservation and storytelling traditions
• Historic landmarks and museums
Cost of living
Median Income: $35,509
Median Home Price: $176,600
Median Rent: $1,290
Eatonville’s cost of living is considered low to average, especially when compared with neighboring Winter Park and Maitland.
Things to do
• Visit the Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts
• Attend the annual ZORA! Festival
• Explore local historical sites and walking tours
• Enjoy nearby dining and shopping in Winter Park
• Participate in community cultural events
Fun Facts
• Eatonville inspired much of Zora Neale Hurston’s literary work.
• The town has been continuously incorporated since the late 1800s.
• Eatonville remains a symbol of early Black self-governance and community leadership in the U.S.
Nearby Cities
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