Who is impacted?
The residents of Eatonville, Florida—a historic Black community known as “The Town That Freedom Built”—are directly impacted by the fate of nearly 100 acres of land historically tied to the town’s identity and legacy. This land, once home to the Hungerford Preparatory School, was founded in 1899 to provide Black children with educational opportunities during an era of segregation and racial oppression. Today, development plans threaten to erase this heritage and displace Eatonville’s predominantly Black community.

Quick History of Eatonville & the Hungerford Land Trust:

• The town of Eatonville was established in 1887 - land was sold by Josiah Eaton to Lewis Lawrence, which he distributed to the newly freed African Americans, and with Joseph E. Clark's vision, the town of Eatonville became the first black-incorporated municipality in the United States.
• The Hungerford property (1899) in Eatonville, Florida was originally about 300 acres. The property included the Robert Hungerford Preparatory School, a private boarding school for Black students (inspired by Booker T. Washington’s Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute).
• In 1949, the Hungerford School in Eatonville faced financial problems due to insufficient funding ($16,571.50 in debt), as African American schools received far less support during segregation, and declining donations from private philanthropies. Additionally, rising operating costs and pressures to sell parts of the school's land worsened its financial struggles.
• In April, 1949, Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) had plans "for construction of a school plant for negros in the Winter Park-Maitland area" which was going to be constructed using "funds [which] were made available in the amount of $205,200.00." (In 1949 OCPS had a little over $200,000 to build a segregated school for black (only) students in the Winter Park-Maitland area.) 
• In 1950, the land in the Hungerford Trust was valued at "$183,108.00 (per 1950 audit)" though many say it was valued at wall over $220,000.00 (different appraisals).
• In 1950, OCPS pays only the mere "$16,571.50... or 9 cents on the dollar” to own the land. (The school district paid less than 9% of what the land was worth and promised to build "a school for negro education... of which the whole County can well be proud.").
• 1950-2024, OCPS has profited millions ["valued at around 8 to 10 million dollars"] after selling off and damaging the land they swore to use for educational purpose.
• Now, in 2025, (only) around 100 acres of the Hungerford property remain. Let’s put the decisions back into the hands of the people of Eatonville. Help to prevent the rich and beautiful history of Eatonville from being forgotten.

Click Here For More In Depth Rich History About The Hungerford Land Trust

What is at stake?

Eatonville’s rich history and heritage are in danger of being erased entirely if control is not returned to the community. The Hungerford property, originally spanning 300 acres, was established in 1899 to house the Robert Hungerford Preparatory School, inspired by Booker T. Washington’s Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute. However, in 1950, Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) acquired the land for just $16,571.50—less than 9% of its appraised value during segregation-era financial struggles. OCPS promised to use the land for Black education but instead profited (millions) by selling off much of the property, leaving only 100 acres today. Now, the land is at risk of being sold again for private development.

Why is now the time to act?

The disagreement about what to do with the Hungerford property has been ongoing for decades, with various lawsuits challenging its sale and use. Most recently, the Southern Poverty Law Center filed a lawsuit citing discriminatory practices against the people of Eatonville; however, this lawsuit was dismissed, leaving the decision once again in the hands of Orange County Public Schools. With OCPS still controlling the fate of this historic land, the time to act is now. The remaining 100 acres must be transferred to a community trust, allowing Eatonville residents to preserve their legacy, develop a master plan, and ensure the land benefits their community rather than private developers. Immediate action is critical to prevent the erasure of Eatonville’s identity and heritage.