History of Jacksonville, FL

Jacksonville, Florida, known affectionately as "Jax" by local residents, is a diverse, bustling city with a rich history, thriving economy, and vibrant culture. Whether you come for the miles of pristine beaches, the world-class attractions, or the perfect year-round weather, you won't want to leave once you're here. Both lifelong locals and first-time visitors can find plenty to love about this picturesque city along Florida's Atlantic coast. Review this guide to learn more about the history, economy, and culture of Jacksonville, Florida.

History of Jacksonville

Image via Flickr by hyku

Located at the intersection of the St. Johns River and the Atlantic Ocean, Jacksonville has long attracted settlers with its bountiful natural resources and beautiful weather. The first known residents of the area were the Timucua Indians, who likely inhabited the area beginning around 500 B.C. Over 2,000 years later, French explorers arrived in the early 1560s, but the area quickly came under Spanish reign in 1565. Spain ruled the region for the better part of 250 years until the United States acquired Florida as a territory in 1821.

A year after Florida became a U.S. territory, the city of Jacksonville was established. It was named after Andrew Jackson, who had served as the first provisional governor of the new territory. Jacksonville became a hub of commercial activity as a port of entry, exporting cotton, lumber, vegetables, and oranges. After the Civil War, the city overcame economic hardships by becoming a tourist destination for thousands of northerners seeking warmer climates.

Over the next several decades, Jacksonville continued to grow with new business development, housing, parks, and transportation infrastructure. In 1968, the city of Jacksonville and Duval County merged to become a single governmental entity. The consolidation created a 900-square-mile city, making Jacksonville the largest city by land area in the contiguous U.S.

Jacksonville Economy

Jacksonville's access to the St. Johns River and the Atlantic Ocean waterways contributes greatly to the city's economy. As a port city, Jacksonville is one of the leading importers of automobiles in the U.S. The city's exports include lumber, phosphate, and paper. Other major industries in Jacksonville include finance, biomedical technology, manufacturing, and distribution. Jacksonville is home to three U.S. naval stations, which have a significant economic impact on the city. Like many other Florida cities, Jacksonville also has a booming tourist industry, which provides many jobs for residents in the area.

Jacksonville Sports and Outdoor Activities

If you enjoy sports and outdoor activities, you'll be right at home in Jacksonville. The city is home to one of the best NFL teams in the league, the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jags play their home games at TIAA Bank Field, which has not one but two swimming pools, among its other world-class features. Jacksonville has various other minor league teams, including the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, a Triple-A baseball affiliate, and the Jacksonville Giants, part of the American Basketball Association. Whether you want to get in the game or watch from the sidelines, there's a team for you in Jacksonville.

With over 22 miles of beaches and 80,000 designated areas of urban parkland, Jacksonville is an outdoor lover's paradise. The city of Jacksonville maintains over 400 parks, and there are several state and national parks in the area. There are You can explore miles of hiking and biking trails throughout the city, or you can hit the beach to surf, swim, kayak, or fish. With so many outdoor activities, Jacksonville is a place where you can truly unplug and connect with nature.

Jacksonville Arts and Culture

Jacksonville has become a premier arts and culture destination, not only in Florida but in the greater U.S. If you enjoy live music, make plans to attend a Jacksonville Symphony concert at the Robert E. Jacoby Symphony Hall, a first-class performance venue. Each year, jazz comes full swing to downtown Jacksonville with the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, held over Memorial Day weekend. The Florida Ballet also calls Jacksonville home, and the company performs a variety of classic and contemporary works throughout its season.

In Jacksonville, there are various ways you can enjoy art throughout the city. The Jacksonville Downtown Art Walk occurs on the first Wednesday of each month, featuring local artists, live entertainment, street performances, and more. The Art in Public Places program highlights artwork and murals throughout Jacksonville, maintaining over 115 public pieces of art in Duval County. Various city neighborhoods are home to galleries and artist markets, contributing to the thriving arts scene in the city.

Jacksonville Museums and Attractions

With so much to do in Jacksonville, you'll never be bored here. The city has numerous museums to explore based on your interests. The Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville features an extensive permanent collection and rotating exhibits designed to connect the public with contemporary works of art. Bring the whole family to the Museum of Science and History (MOSH), which offers three levels of exhibits to make science and history accessible for people of all ages. Other museums in the city include the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens and the Hands On Children's Museum.

In addition to its world-class museums, Jacksonville offers various other attractions. Make a trip to the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, the only walking safari in Northeast Florida. The zoo has over 2,000 rare and exotic animals, creating a unique experience for visitors. See a Broadway show at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, which also hosts concerts, ballet, and opera. Jacksonville is even home to the oldest privately owned skatepark in the world, Kona Skatepark in the Arlington neighborhood. Stop by for a roll on the snake run, or enjoy watching amateur and professional skateboarders from the sidelines.

Visit Keith Pierson Toyota in Jacksonville, Florida

Now you know more about the history and culture of this iconic Northeast Florida city. When you're in Jacksonville, we hope you'll consider Keith Pierson Toyota for all your vehicle needs. Whether you're looking for brand-new Toyota models or scheduling an oil change, we pride ourselves on providing quality service with a customer-first mentality. As one of the premier dealerships in Northeast Florida, we serve customers in Jacksonville and the surrounding area, including Fruit Cove, Lakeside, and beyond. For more information about our services, contact us online or visit us in Jacksonville. We look forward to welcoming you soon.