History

Located in the Heart of Central Florida

Plant City has a rich history dating back to the mid-1800s when settlers first began to populate Florida. Plant City was incorporated in 1885, 16 years after the state was chartered. Plant City derives its name not from the surrounding agricultural industry which greatly added to the city's growth, but from Henry Bradley Plant.
 

Ichepucksassa

Plant City's original name was Ichepucksassa after the Indian village that once occupied this territory. So much confusion was created with the spelling and pronunciation that the Irish postmaster renamed the village Cork, after his home city. In 1884, Henry B. Plant extended the South Florida Railroad into the town and 1 year later, when the town was incorporated, it was once again renamed this time in honor of Henry B. Plant.
 

The Winter Strawberry Capital of the World

Originally Plant City was a large cotton center. Changing its major crop to strawberries has brought it national recognition. Today, over 3/4 of the nation's midwinter strawberries come from Plant City. At the Florida Strawberry Festival, held each winter, you can taste some of the finest shortcake, pie, and cobblers made from the freshest strawberries in the land.
 

Additional Information on Plant City History

Other information regarding the history of Plant City is available at the East Hillsborough Historical Society located on the first floor of the 1914 Plant City High School Community Center, 605 North Collins Street, Plant City, Florida 33563. The Center holds more than 2,000 books, family, historical, genealogical and photographic files, periodicals, newspapers and records on microforms.