EATONVILLE, Fla. — Saturday marked a momentous occasion for the historic town of Eatonville as it celebrates its 137th Founders Day.

Established in 1887 by 27 Black men, Eatonville holds the distinction of being the first and oldest African American incorporated town in the United States.

What You Need To Know

  • Aug. 17 marks a momentous occasion for the historic town of Eatonville, as it celebrates its 137th Founders Day

  • The town will have events starting at 4 p.m. on the Hungerford Field Property 
  • The day’s events began with a special breakfast, where guest speaker Ruthri Critton, a fifth-generation descendant of one of the town’s founders

For the residents of Eatonville, the year 1887 is more than just a date: it’s a source of immense pride.

The town’s rich history is a testament to the determination and resilience of its founders, who carved out a place where African Americans could live and thrive with dignity and autonomy.

“The cornerstone is the 27 that decided to charter this town. That started the whole thing. And when you think about out of 1,200 or so Black towns and settlements that existed, we’re down to maybe 400, and we’re still here. So today is a blessing,” said Eatonville Mayor Angie Gardner. “And that blessing is only here because we’ve had the support of some wonderful municipal cities.”

The day’s events began with a special breakfast, where guest speaker Ruthri Critton, a fifth-generation descendant of one of the town’s founders, addressed the audience.

Critton emphasized the importance of remembering the town’s origins and the hard work that has kept it standing for over a century.

“This is huge. It’s a true testament to resiliency, to determination, to strong will, to effort and energy, and doing the work. It says that we can, and we will. And we did, and we do,” Critton said.

In addition to honoring its past, Eatonville is also focused on the future. Gardner highlighted the significant growth the town has experienced in recent years, noting that Eatonville has secured over $50 million in grant funding.

These funds will be instrumental in launching renovation projects, upgrading infrastructure, creating technology hubs, and fostering overall economic development.

“We are the oldest Black incorporated municipality in the nation. I don’t think that has sunk in even after 137 years. We are it. We’re the oldest one. That’s a burden and a blessing, because many people are looking at us, and I want them to continue to look at us,” Gardner said.

As Eatonville celebrates, the town stands as a symbol of resilience and progress. Its legacy is a reminder of the strength of its community, and its future is filled with promise as it continues to grow and thrive.

For the people of Eatonville, this day is not just about looking back —it’s about moving forward while staying true to the values that have sustained them for generations.