St. Cloud (Images of America)

In the heart of Central Florida lies St. Cloud, an amiable city with a bright future and a colorful past. Located in Osceola County, only a short distance from the Sunshine State's most-visited tourist attractions, the city has benefited greatly from its unique locale. But long before the city attracted sightseers, it was a booming sugar exporter and a haven for retired Civil War veterans. The town, named for a Paris suburb, was incorporated in 1911 as a "soldier's colony" and was touted for its "health, climate, and productiveness of the soil." Today, St. Cloud celebrates its diverse population, ideal location, and agricultural history. Original images, including scenes from the 1917 fire, underscored with informative text abound in Images of America: St. Cloud. Revealed inside is the impact that Hamilton Disston and the many army veterans who settled here had on the city's development. Highlighted in this delightful photo journal are communities such as Alligator Lake, Narcoossee, Runnymeade, and Ashton that are uniquely St. Cloud. Showcased are the diverse people, places, and events that make St. Cloud an enjoyable place to live and visit.