Leesburg, Fl

We are vacationing in leesburg, fl and you see my various highjinx while here.I thought it prudent to learn a little more about the small city declared in 1857 and named after it's first premanent resident Evander Lee. Originally from Alabama Evander brought his wife and 8 children ,and settled into their new estate , a homestead purchased for the large sum of $3300

Joined by several brothers he made his riches from a storefront on Main St in Leesburg. Interesting enough it was his brother Calvin, his business partner, who gave the sleepy town it's name " Leesburg" On July 12,1857 the city of Leesburg, was corporated.

In the early 20th century, Leesburg was an important center for watermelon production. In 1930, Leesburg held its first Watermelon Festival, an annual tradition that would last until watermelon production in the area dwindled.The festival is still an important part of Leesburgs' attractions , however the juicey fruit is shipping in rather than locally grown......


Known for the once roaming orange groves, that dwindled with the great freeze of 1983 and 1985, the landscape changed. Tourism flourished and Leesburg is now noted as a popular retirement center in Florida.The city of Leesburg is now home to 20,000 tax paying residents.Easily tripled in the season of the snow birds!

Leesburg's most notable bodies of water are: Lake Griffin and Lake Harris, provide hours of water sports and fishing. Equipped with a public boat launch Lake Harris is a mecca to the fisherman in the area. With open water, a connecting canal system and a leeside breeze a dream for anyone with a sailboat. Mind you the alligators may turn one off of docking a small wetboat!