Notable drivers such as Barney Oldfield and Sir Malcolm Campbell pushed the limits of technology and endurance on the sands of Ormond Beach. These early races eventually inspired the development of the Daytona International Speedway and cemented central Florida’s reputation as a motorsports hub.
Civic Growth and Incorporation
The influx of tourists and investors spurred Ormond Beach’s civic development. In 1880, the town was officially incorporated, giving residents a framework for governance. Schools, churches, and businesses soon followed, providing services for both seasonal visitors and permanent settlers.
By the early twentieth century, Ormond Beach’s population had grown steadily. Its identity combined elements of a tourist resort, a small-town community, and a site of international innovation in motorsports.
The Gilded Age Legacy of Rockefeller
Among Ormond Beach’s most famous residents was John D. Rockefeller, who purchased The Casements, a winter home near the Halifax River, in 1918. The industrial magnate spent his final years in Ormond Beach, entertaining guests and contributing to the local community. His presence gave Ormond Beach a lasting association with wealth and philanthropy.
Today, The Casements is preserved as a cultural and community center, reminding residents and visitors of Rockefeller’s impact on the city’s identity. shutdown123