A Short History of DeLand Welcome! You have embarked on a journey to one of the most visited areas in the state of Florida. Originally called Persimmon Hollow, the city boasts a rich history, which can be traced to its founder. Mr. Henry Addison DeLand visited the area and decided within hours that he wanted to live here. He returned to New York to settle his affairs. Then, he came back to Persimmon Hollow and set in motion the development of what would become a prosperous downtown and surrounding community.  In 1882, the city was incorporated with the approval of 28 townspeople. They voted to name the city DeLand in honor of their generous benefactor since DeLand donated money to individuals that wanted to construct and start churches and schools. One successful undertaking was the DeLand Academy with John B. Stetson which is now Stetson University. Today, DeLand continues to preserve its cultural and educational heritage. The downtown area is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is the central business district for the DeLand area. We extend an invitation for you to stay, visit and explore the enriching and cultural experience we call ''home''.