A character in “As You Like It” & a solider in the Seminole Wars are cited as possible origins for the name of this city
The Final Jeopardy clue for the June 10, 2025, episode of Jeopardy fell under the category “U.S. Cities.” The clue was: A character in “As You Like It” & a soldier in the Seminole Wars are cited as possible origins for the name of this city. Contestants were challenged to think beyond geography and dig into literature and military history.
What is Orlando?
This clue brought together two very different cultural and historical references—Shakespeare’s As You Like It and the 19th-century conflicts known as the Seminole Wars. Each reference holds a legitimate claim to the origins of Orlando, Florida’s name. While many cities in the United States have straightforward naming stories, Orlando’s is steeped in mystery and competing legends, making this Final Jeopardy clue especially intriguing.
A Shakespearean Connection: Orlando of Arden
One commonly cited theory is that the city of Orlando was named after the character Orlando from Shakespeare’s As You Like It. In the play, Orlando is the youngest son of the late Sir Rowland de Bois, known for his integrity and bravery. The idea that a city in central Florida might take its name from a literary figure may seem unusual, but it’s not without precedent. Many American towns and cities—especially in the 19th century—borrowed names from classical or literary sources, reflecting the influence of European culture on early American settlers.
This theory suggests that early residents or founders of the area, perhaps with an appreciation for literature, found inspiration in Shakespeare’s play. However, no direct documentation has been found to definitively prove this connection. Despite the lack of concrete evidence, the romanticism of a Shakespearean origin has made this explanation popular in local lore and among literary enthusiasts.
The Soldier Theory: Orlando Reeves
Another well-known theory attributes the city’s name to a soldier named Orlando Reeves, who reportedly died during the Second Seminole War in the 1830s. According to some accounts, Reeves was a sentinel who spotted approaching Seminole warriors and fired his weapon to alert fellow soldiers before being fatally wounded. A marker supposedly stood at his gravesite near what would later become the city of Orlando, and early settlers may have referred to the area as “Orlando’s grave” or “Orlando’s place.”
Over time, this name is believed to have evolved into simply “Orlando.” While this origin story has been popularized over the years, historians have found limited archival support for the existence of Reeves or his role in the war. Some researchers believe the story may have been a local legend that gained traction during the city’s formative years.
A City with Multiple Legends
Orlando’s name origin remains the subject of debate among historians. Some even suggest that the name may have been chosen arbitrarily or derived from a settler’s relative or friend named Orlando. In the 1850s, when the town was being established, various stories were already in circulation, and local officials seemed to accept different accounts over time. The lack of definitive documentation has left the door open for multiple narratives to coexist.
The city’s own historical organizations, including the Orange County Regional History Center, acknowledge the ambiguity surrounding the name. This uncertainty hasn’t diminished the city’s identity, but rather added an element of folklore that continues to interest both residents and visitors. Whether it’s a nod to Shakespeare or a tribute to a fallen soldier, the name “Orlando” carries with it a blend of cultural resonance and local myth.
Why This Made for a Great Final Jeopardy Clue
The strength of this Final Jeopardy clue lies in its layered complexity. It required contestants to think not only about U.S. cities but also about literature and 19th-century military history. Orlando, Florida, is now globally recognized for its theme parks and tourism industry, but its roots—however murky—paint a more textured picture of American place-naming traditions.
By tying the name to both a fictional character and a real (or possibly legendary) individual, the clue invites broader reflection on how history, literature, and memory shape the identity of places. For Jeopardy viewers and contestants alike, this was a fitting example of the show’s ability to weave disparate disciplines into a single, thought-provoking challenge.