In the 1800s, Irish & Polish/German immigrants were attracted to the fertile “drowned land” (black dirt) soils surrounding the area that would later become the Village of Florida. These soil conditions were perfect for growing, and the railroad enabled farmers to sell their produce in New York City.
In the 1920s, the Village purchased water rights on Glenmere Lake and eventually acquired full ownership of this plentiful, good quality water. In 1946, the Village of Florida was incorporated. Notable Floridians include Elijah Churchill, who received the first Medal Of Honor on May 3, 1783, William H. Seward the Governor of New York State, Secretary of State, and the architect of the Alaska purchase, and Jimmy Sturr, “King of Polka” and Grammy Award winner.