Rail service reached Ocala in June 1881, encouraging economic development with greater access to markets for produce. Two years later, much of the Ocala downtown area was destroyed by fire on Thanksgiving Day, 1883. The city encouraged rebuilding with brick, granite and steel rather than lumber. By 1888, Ocala was known statewide as "The Brick City".
Rail service reached Ocala in June 1881 encouraging economic development with greater access to markets for produce Two years later much of the Ocala downtown area was destroyed by fire on Thanksgiving Day 1883 The city encouraged rebuilding with brick granite and steel rather than lumber By 1888 Ocala was known statewide as "The Brick City"