History of Jacksonville, FL
Known to be the melting pot of cultures and races, Jacksonville, Florida, boasts of its lavish natural resources, fair weather, and beautiful beaches. Discover Jacksonville's rich history and fall in love with it even more.
Early History
The Timucuan Indians were the ones who settled in this heavily wooded town, even before the Europeans discovered the opening of the St. Johns River. Studies show that Timucuan's unique culture flourished around 500 B.C. However, it is still not known until now which group or tribe they are descendants of. Reports and stories about the Timucuans came from the first European settlers because they had no written language of their own.
First European Settlement
The early 16th century was a chaotic time in Europe. This led European expeditions to explore the coasts of the New World. A group of French Huguenots established a settlement in Fort Caroline in 1562. However, the French settlement did not last for long because, in 1565, the Spanish destroyed their army post.
Spanish Rule
The Spanish were driven to deliberately fight for their territory against the French. They founded Fort San Mateo where the former French Fort Caroline was situated. For almost 200 years, the Spanish introduced and converted natives to Catholicism. They survived their day to day life with the natives helping them. When the Seven Years War in Europe ended in 1763, Spain gave power to the British to be able to keep the more important city, Havana. The Spanish seized the remaining Timucuan when they ended their settlement.
British Rule
The reign of the British was a time of progress and expansion. The natives were granted lands where they planted cotton, rice, and vegetables. The King's Road, the first road that runs from Savannah to St. Augustine also commenced. Commerce grew which initiated the expansion of the port. Eventually, the Spanish names of places were changed to English.
United States Territory
Florida became a U.S. territory in the year 1821. Settlers granted land on the north bank of Cowford in a desire to establish the main town in 1822. It is now known as Jacksonville, in commemoration of Andrew Jackson, the first provisional governor of the territory.
Civil War
Jacksonville, being the harbor city played a significant part in the Union blockade of the Confederacy. The Union troops settled in Jacksonville four times.
Like other cities in the South, a huge part of Jacksonville's economy and property were greatly affected by the war. Jacksonville owes a big part of their recovery to their being a port city. In the late 1800s, it's already the go-to place for people who want better weather.
Like other cities in the South, a huge part of Jacksonville's economy and property were greatly affected by the war. Jacksonville owes a big part of their recovery to their being a port city. In the late 1800s, it's already the go-to place for people who want better weather.
Present Day Jacksonville, FL
It was in the 1920s that development extended to other remote areas. Parks and luxurious homes were established alongside the river's Northbank extending to the Southbank after the first bridge was built.
The year 1968 marked history when Jacksonville and the county of Duval united into a single unit of government with the aim to improve services, in general. At present, Jacksonville continues to improve its economic state giving its residents a better life. It also continues to become an exciting place to visit for tourists around the world.
Click here for more information.
The year 1968 marked history when Jacksonville and the county of Duval united into a single unit of government with the aim to improve services, in general. At present, Jacksonville continues to improve its economic state giving its residents a better life. It also continues to become an exciting place to visit for tourists around the world.
Click here for more information.