Arcadia, County seat in DeSoto County, Florida.
Arcadia is the county seat of DeSoto County in southwestern Florida, situated within agricultural farmland. The town spreads on both sides of the Peace River at about 60 feet (18 meters) above sea level.
The Florida Southern Railway reached the area in 1886, sparking growth in trade and settlement. This rail connection shaped how the town developed in the decades that followed.
The Historic District preserves buildings from the early 1900s that show how people lived and built in that era. Walking through the streets, you can see the original look of a small Southern town as it developed.
Access to the town is primarily via Interstate 75 and U.S. Route 17, which connect it to neighboring areas. Arcadia Municipal Airport serves those traveling by private plane for regional connections.
During World War II, Carlstrom Field served as a training base for Royal Air Force pilots. Over 20 British aviators are buried at Oak Ridge Cemetery, marking a significant international chapter in local history.
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