ARCADIA

“The Rev. James Madison (“Boss”) Hendry (1839–1922) named the town in honor of Arcadia Albritton (1861–1932), a daughter of Thomas H. and Fannie (Waldron) Albritton, pioneer settlers. Arcadia had baked him a cake for his birthday and he appreciated it so much that he named the city after her.”

During the late 19th century Arcadia was the county seat of what would become many counties. In 1921 legislation enacted called for Arcadia to remain the county seat of DeSoto County and resulted in the creation of present day counties of Charlotte, Hardee, Glades and Highlands. Prior to this break up Arcadia’s population had grown considerably with over 1,000 permanent residents and boasted 3,000 square miles (7,800 km2) for ranching. During Thanksgiving Day in 1905 the town was destroyed by a large-scale fire that originated from a mid-town livery stable. Furthermore the fire was exacerbated because the town did not have a working water system or fire department. The estimated monetary damage was $250,000 but there was no loss of life. Much of the business district was not spared. It would be years before the town recovered.

Oak Street is “main street” in Arcadia and is picturesque in its quaint beauty. Arcadia’s downtown is far more elaborate than neighboring county’s downtown areas, as it is older and was their county seat prior to the formation of their present counties. Beside the historic downtown area, Arcadia is also home to many stately start of the 20th century homes, houses of worship and several historic public buildings.

British airmen training at Carlstrom Field, Arcadia, August 1941
From 1917 to 1922, Arcadia was the home of Carlstrom Field, a grass airfield of the U.S. Army Air Service named for deceased aviation pioneer Victor Carlstrom. Carlstrom Field was used for pilot training both during and after World War I. In May 1941 the site again became an airfield for military primary flight training, operated by the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Institute (now Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University). Carlstrom Field, one of several satellite fields in the Fort Myers Area, also trained pilots for the Royal Air Force until its closing in 1945.

Arcadia’s historic buildings include the Johnson-Smith House, William Oswell Ralls House and Micajah T. Singleton House. For more history on De Soto County see: http://www.historicdesoto.org/HistoryofDeSotoCounty.html

First National Bank Of Arcadia (5534)

First National Bank Arcadia Post Card

1882 $5 Date Back Charter #5534

1882 $10 Date Back Charter #5534

Signed by J.G. King cashier; T.B. King President

1882 $20 Date Back Charter #5534

Signed by J.G. King cashier; T.B. King president

1882 $5 Value Back Charter #5534

1902 $10 Plain Back Charter #5534 C.E. Gibson, assis. cashier; R.O. Turner, president

1902 $20 Plain Back Charter #5534

Signed by R.O. Turner cashier; John H. Treadwell, pres.

1929 $10 Type 1 Charter #5534

Signed by Chas. E. Gibson, cash.; R.O. Turner, pres.

1929 $20 Type 1 Charter #5534

Signed by Chas. E. Gibson, cash.; R.O. Turner, pres.

First National Bank of Arcadia was organized on June 15, 1900 with the charter following on August 11, 1900. Unfortunately the bank was a victim of the Depression and was received January 26, 1932.

De Soto National Bank Of Arcadia (8728)