The name "Volusia"
comes from Volusia Landing on the St. Johns River, where a treaty was signed with the
Seminoles; beyond that its origins are unclear, though many sources contend it originates
in an early settler and tradesman named "Veluche." When Volusia County was
carved from the larger Mosquito/Orange, Enterprise continued as the county seat.  This was moved to DeLand in 1888. Home of
Stetson University, the town is named for Henry DeLand, a New York baking powder
manufacturer who endowed an academy of his own at about the same time as hatmaker John B.
Stetson. The two colleges later merged and dominate the present-day "Athens of
Florida." During spring break the county's population swells severalfold as college
students flock to Daytona Beach on the Atlantic coast. |
This was moved to DeLand in 1888. Home of
Stetson University, the town is named for Henry DeLand, a New York baking powder
manufacturer who endowed an academy of his own at about the same time as hatmaker John B.
Stetson. The two colleges later merged and dominate the present-day "Athens of
Florida." During spring break the county's population swells severalfold as college
students flock to Daytona Beach on the Atlantic coast.