Clermont and the surrounding areas boast a rich history dating back to the time of the Seminole and Timucuan Native Americans. The land, once known as the “Gem of the Hills,” was home to these indigenous peoples for centuries.
The arrival of European settlers in the mid-19th century marked a turning point in the region’s history. The first documented white visitors were likely surveyors who arrived in 1843, shortly after the Second Seminole War.
Following Florida’s entry into the Union in 1845, South Lake County, which included Clermont, was designated as “swamp and overflowed” land by the U.S. government. However, by the 1850s, settlers, primarily from Georgia, began migrating to the area.
The Pioneering Spirit: Early Settlers and the Development of Clermont
James Anderson from Georgia holds the distinction of being the first permanent settler in the Clermont area. He arrived in 1853 and played a role in the region’s development. His daughter’s marriage to the son of William Slone, another early settler, further solidified the interconnectedness of these pioneering families.
The names of these early settlers and their descendants are woven into the very fabric of Clermont’s history. Many of the streets and roads we travel today carry the weight of the past, silently telling the stories of those who came before us.
The early paths used by Clermont’s pioneers were nothing more than trails blazed through the wilderness. The establishment of the first county road system in 1889 marked a significant step forward. Robert Hooks played a pivotal role in this development by contracting with the county to construct 38 miles of pine straw roads. This innovation paved the way for easier travel by oxcart, horse-drawn carriage, and eventually, automobiles.
The first hard-surfaced county road in South Lake County, Highway 561, was built in 1925, replacing the pine straw roads of the past. As the area continued to grow, these rudimentary trails gradually evolved into named roads, reflecting the identities of property owners, businesspeople, or simply acquiring evocative nicknames. Cars and trucks replaced cattle drives and wagons, and these roadways became essential landmarks for navigation.
A Glimpse into Clermont’s Past: The Stories Behind the Street Names
Clermont boasts numerous streets named after prominent figures and places from the community’s past. Here’s a closer look at some of these historical gems:
- Anderson Street and Anderson Hill Road: Named after Ulysses Grant Anderson, who moved to Clermont in 1913 and partnered with Stuart Bowman in purchasing a vast tract of land for citrus groves and residential development (Clermont Heights).
- Bowman Street: Named after Stuart H. Bowman, the founder of the Lake Highlands Land Development Company (LHLDC) in 1913. The company’s original site is now an assisted living facility.
- Carolyn Drive, Dianna Place, and Fran Mar Court Neighborhood: This trio of streets in a residential area near West Beach was developed in the late 1950s by the Oswalt family. The street names honor Victor Oswalt’s wife, Carolyn, and daughters, Dianna and Frances.
- Disston Avenue: Believed to be named after Hamilton Disston, a prominent American industrialist and real estate developer who purchased a massive 4 million acres of Florida land in 1881. While not a permanent resident of Clermont, Disston’s influence on development in the region is undeniable, with his investments contributing to the rise of towns like Kissimmee and St. Cloud.
- Hooks Street: Named after the Hooks family, who were among the earliest settlers in the area, arriving in 1874. Herring Hooks, a member of the family, played a part in the exploration of the Clermont area. The Hooks family owned 157 acres of land that now encompasses the Margaree Gardens subdivision on Lakeshore Drive.
- Hull Road: Named after the Hull family, who settled in the area seeking a new life. George W. Hull served as the postmaster for Monte Vista and also owned a store. He donated land for the present-day Liberty Baptist Church, cemetery, and school. Descendants of the Hull family resided on property near the current Palatlakaha River boat ramp for many years.
- Jalarmy Road: This road and the Palisades Subdivision share a unique history. The Palisades Country Club and Golf Course, established in the late 1920s on 190 acres of property, eventually faced financial difficulties