"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, the St. Cloud celebrates its diverse population, ideal location, and agricultural history. Plan a visit to the museum to learn more about the town's rich history. (Text from Images of St. Cloud, by Jim Robison and Robert A. Fisk)

Pioneer Family of Osceola County, Florida

The Osceola County Historical Society would like to honor the early settlers of Osceola County and bring to light the contributions they made in the formation of the county. Osceola County was founded in May of 1887 and we would like to recognize those families who helped form the county.

Participants will not only be honoring their ancestors, but will be helping the Historical Society preserve and share the area’s rich history by documenting the lives of their ancestors.

Pioneer Family of Osceola County application forms are available below. All applications must be submitted by mail.

• Pioneer Family Instructions
• Pioneer Family Application
• Additional Pioneer Family Application
• Pioneer Family Lineage Information