Cathy and Mike Sloan

Jacksonville Area Guide

Jacksonville is the largest city in Florida, and is the county seat of Duval County. Jacksonville's location on the St. Johns River and the Atlantic Ocean proved providential in the growth of the city and its industry. The largest city in the state, it is also the largest deepwater port in the south and a leading port in the U.S. for automobile imports, as well as the leading transportation and distribution hub in the state.

Jacksonville is a rail, air, and highway focal point and a busy port of entry, with Jacksonville International Airport, ship repair yards and extensive freight-handling facilities. According to Forbes in 2007, Jacksonville ranked 3rd in the top ten U.S. cities to relocate to find a job. Jacksonville was also the 10th fastest growing city in the U.S.

History

The history of Jacksonville has spanned hundreds of years. Anthropologists called the first settlement in the area, Ossachite, occupied more than 6,000 years ago in the Archaic period. By the 16th century the area was inhabited by Timucua peoples, including the Mocama.

European explorers first arrived in 1562, when French Huguenot explorer Jean Ribault charted the St. Johns River. René Goulaine de Laudonnière established the first European settlement at Fort Caroline two years later. On September 20, 1565, a Spanish force from the nearby Spanish settlement of St. Augustine attacked Fort Caroline, and killed nearly all the French soldiers defending it. The Spanish renamed it Fort San Mateo. With the destruction of the French forces at Fort Caroline, St. Augustine's position as the most important settlement in Florida was solidified.

Spain ceded Florida to the British in 1763 following their victory in the Seven Years War. Britain ceded control to Spain in 1783, following defeat in the American Revolutionary War. The first permanent settlement in modern Jacksonville was settled as "Cowford" in 1791, named for a narrow point in the St. Johns River where cattlemen could have their livestock ford the water. Spain finally ceded the Florida Territory to the United States in 1821.

In 1822, United States settlers began using Jacksonville's current name. Led by Isaiah D. Hart, residents wrote a charter for a town government, which was approved by the Florida Legislative Council in 1832.

During the American Civil War, Jacksonville was a key supply point for hogs and cattle being shipped from Florida to aid the Confederate cause. Warfare and the long occupation left the city disrupted after the war. During Reconstruction and the Gilded Age, Jacksonville became popular winter resorts. Visitors arrived by steamboat and later by railroad.

In the 1910s, Jacksonville became a banking and insurance center, with companies such as Barnett Bank, Atlantic National Bank, Florida National Bank, Prudential, Gulf Life, Afro-American Insurance, Independent Life and American Heritage Life thriving in the business district. The U.S. Navy also became a major employer and economic force during the 1940s, with the construction of three naval bases in the city.

The Better Jacksonville Plan, promoted as a blueprint for Jacksonville's future and approved by Jacksonville voters in 2000, authorized a half-penny sales tax. This would generate most of the revenue required for the $2.25 billion package of major projects that included road and infrastructure improvements, environmental preservation, targeted economic development and new or improved public facilities.

Kids Kampus
There are plenty of cool free educational activities for kids to enjoy at Kids Kampus. Check them out at the above link.

Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
Discover the nature of things at Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park with its haven of sandy beaches, freshwater lakes, wooded camping sites, natural dunes and naturescapes that defy the imagination.

This premier oceanfront park offers 1.5 miles of pristine sandy beach and a 60-acre freshwater lake perfect for fishing, nature observation, kayaking, pedal boats, and canoes. The lake also includes a quarter-acre water playground for children under 54 inches tall. The playground is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day each year. Swimming is the lake is not permitted.

Hanna also offer picnic areas, scenic trails with paths designed for both biking and hiking and one of Northeast Florida's premiere surfing spots known locally as "the poles."

Club Rec
JaxParks' Club Rec is a unique after school program designed to provide a safe environment for youngsters while encouraging a balance of educational and recreational activities. The program, offered at 19 community centers throughout Duval County, is free for children ages 6 - 12.

Bethesda Park and Lodge
Bethesda Park is a completely accessible and barrier free recreation complex, operating year-round and providing easy access to the outdoors.

Jacksonville has it all in the way of fun for the whole family. Whether you love the water, golfing, or eating, Jacksonville has something exciting in store for you. Don’t miss out!

Outback Crab Shack
The Outback Crab Shack is a local secret located on Six Mile Creek, just west of the World Golf Village. This is the kind of place to bring the whole gang!

Adventure Landing
Adventure Landing is the place to go for fun in the sun! Adventure Landing features a spectacular water park, wave pool, mini-golf, laser tag and much more.

Amelia Island Plantation
Located on Amelia Island, Florida, just 29 miles north of Jacksonville International Airport, the 1350 acre property overlooks the blue water of the Atlantic on the east and the green marshland and Intracoastal Waterway on the west.

The Golf Club at North Hampton
Arnold Palmer designed the golf course at North Hampton. This par 72 championship design is wrapped around over ten crisp spring fed lakes lined with coquina boulders and offers elevations over 40 feet.

For more great attractions in the Jacksonville area, please visit Jacksonville Attractions

Come experience some of Jacksonville’s greatest events! The area has tons to offer, including numerous parades, celebrations, and festivals. See below for great ideas!

Jacksonville Light Parade
The Light Parade has become a tradition for thousands of families and out-of-town guests who eagerly await the transformation of the St. Johns River. Boats of every shape and size are adorned with decorations that captivate senses and stimulate imaginations.

Fourth of July Celebration
Happy Birthday, America! This star-spangled celebration features the First Coast's most spectacular 4th of July fireworks display over the St. Johns River. You have to see it to believe it!

Holiday Tree Lighting and Fireworks
Celebrate the holiday season with the annual Tree Lighting ceremony, holiday entertainment and fireworks over the St. Johns River to culminate the beginning of the season.