On a warm September night in 1886, the course of history would change the downtown district of DeLand forever. They believe it all started in the Wilcox Saloon, a typical establishment with sawdust on the floor where you could have a glass of whiskey and a cigar. The downtown area of DeLand at this time was mostly composed of wood frame buildings.

One night, someone enjoying a nice cigar and a glass of whiskey probably didn't put out the cigar all the way and an ember ignited the sawdust on the floor. The Wilcox Saloon went up like roman candle, setting aflame the entire 100 block of Woodland Boulevard. At 2:00 in the morning the citizens of DeLand discovered that the downtown area was on fire. The community came together to protect the buildings to the north and south of the fire area. In two hours the five had burned itself out.