Named an "All America City" in 1995, Ocala is the county seat, and has a present population of 49,439 making it the largest city in the county. Drive down Fort King Street in the Ocala historic district, and you will be impressed by the obvious care taken with the renovation and preservation of the area's homes. The Ocala Historic District, offers the opportunity to take a walking tour through stately neighborhoods of lovely Victorian homes. Fort King Street was named after the military post of Fort King, the site of which is within city limits. Fort King was built prior to the Second Seminole War of Florida (1835-1842) according to archaeologist Gary Ellis. Three substantive archaeological surveys have been conducted in the vicinity and the findings of these earlier studies led to a new study in 1993-94 identifying two distinct prehistoric components. The investigation of the history of Fort King is still ongoing with plans to offer the public a chance to learn more about life in those times. Our walking tour will travel from prehistoric finds, to the modern day, within a few blocks. In 1998 the Ocala/Marion County Veterans Memorial Park was dedicated on Fort King near 25th Avenue. The four acre park is just north of the Marion County Governmental complex and has been created to honor veterans from all military conflicts and serves as a gathering place for special celebrations. Downtown Ocala has been revitalized during the past several years with renovations to the town square, and the beautification of historic buildings surrounding it. The Ocala Down-town Development Commission and a coalition of citizens, property owners, and public officials are working steadily to continue the economic revitalization of downtown. In the past year the Ocala Police Department moved into new quarters on South Pine Street; Ocala Electric Utility built a new Customer Services Office adjacent to City Hall; and the City Auditorium which has served as a focal point for a wide range of community activities. Early in 2007, the Ocala Recreation & Parks Department will move into new quarters off Sanchez Avenue, an attractive addition to the Tuscawilla Park campus.