Proudly Serving Leesburg FL

Leesburg History

Plaza Cadillac is proud to serve Leesburg, FL and the surrounding community. Founded in 1857, Leesburg is the oldest city in Lake County. The area was first settled by Evander McIver Lee and his brothers. Calvin Lee, one of Evander’s brothers, is credited with the city’s namesake.

Evander Lee moved with his wife and eight children to what would become Leesburg in 1857 following the death of his father. Once there, Lee purchased an existing homestead for $3,300 from a man named James Fussell, and shortly after, Evander and Calvin built a log store on Main Street. When Calvin traveled to New York City to purchase merchandise, he told suppliers to bill his goods to “Leesburg,” thus christening the town.

Leesburg was first incorporated in 1875 and served as the county seat for Sumter County. A dozen years later, in 1887, Lake County was formed from parts of two adjoining counties. It was then that Leesburg became the seat for the newly formed county.

A great area of agriculture, Leesburg was an important area for watermelon production in the early 1900s. In 1930, the city held its first Watermelon Festival, an event that was held annually until 1957. In 1938, the Works Progress Administration began creating the Venetian Gardens. Located on the shores of Lake Harris, the gardens have been one of Leesburg’s staple attractions ever since.

So, if you find yourself in the Leesburg area, come visit us at Plaza Cadillac.

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