| As the news of Florida’s lush tropical foliage, mild climate, and pristine environment made its way throughout the United States and Europe, Florida’s tourism industry was born. Many hotels and boarding houses were soon built to meet such visitors' demands. As for wealthy tourists, they built their own “small cottages” to stay in during the winter months. Not only was housing made available for the masses of tourists, but transportation methods including steamships and railroads were expanded to bring the visitors to Central Florida. Just as it is today, tourism during the 19th and 20th centuries contributed greatly to the growth of Central Florida’s economy and population. |
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