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History of Jacksonville, Florida
Home » » Jacksonville, Florida - History and Overview » History of Jacksonville, FloridaJacksonville was first inhabited by the Timucuan Indians. Juan Ponce de Leon and his group of Spaniards came to the area in 1513, when he named the area La Florida. The French built Fort Caroline in 1564, located where Jacksonville now sits; it was the first Protestant colony in America. But then the Spanish took over control of Florida, and nearby St. Augustine was established in 1565, 55 years before the Mayflower ever landed in Plymouth, Massachusetts. St. Augustine now holds the distinction of being the oldest city in the United States.
Florida became a U.S. territory in 1821, and the city of Jacksonville was established one year later. The city was named after General Andrew Jackson. Jacksonville was already an important port for cotton and timber by the time Florida achieved statehood in 1845. Almost since its inception, Jacksonville has been known and loved for its sunny climate, beautiful beaches and waterways. It also rose in popularity early on as a major shipping port.
The city and county governments of Jacksonville were joined in 1965, creating the largest geographic city in the contiguous United States. The city of Jacksonville quietly emerged as a major business center of the South. The city of Jacksonville works hard to maximize its natural qualities and characteristics and to welcome visitors from all over the world into its fold.
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