The first railroad in Volusia County was built from Orange City to Blue Springs Landing in 1881. It was two miles long and the car was drawn by a mule. The railroad was completed to New Smyrna in the winter of 1886-87. Orange City became an incorporated town August 26, 1882. Today, Orange City's central location on Highway 17-92, just off Interstate 4 and midway between Orlando and Daytona Beach, puts it within 50 miles of most of Florida's famous attractions including the Atlantic Ocean and Disney World.
Orange City is no longer a small town.
Its slow paced living is disappearing rapidly as the neighboring city and county seat of DeLand expands, its growth overflowing its city limits, as well as the neighboring cities of DeBary and Deltona grow in leaps and bounds. In 1998, Orange City had a population of over 10,000 residents. The population is expected to increase to 20,000 by 2010. Orange City is the logical place for added growth with its expanding job market attracting young families and professionals. Jobs in almost any kind of business and industry can be found within easy driving distance.