Argyle Forest and Oakleaf Plantation Living
 History
Known as the River City, Jacksonville is located on the double loop of the St. John’s River. The city is a seaport and a major cultural center as well as a financial, commercial and transportation center. The first European settlers were French Huguenots who started a colony called Fort Caroline in 1562. Jacksonville became the first settlement in the country as the Spanish, English and the local Timucaua Indians fought for control of the area. The British took control of the land in 1763 when Spain traded Florida for Havana. When the American Revolutionary War ended, Britain returned Florida to Spain. American expansion and the War of 1812 caused Spain to relinquish Florida, along with Oregon, to the U.S. in exchange for Texas. The deal was struck in 1821 and settlers came to Florida in droves. Jacksonville was named for General Andrew Jackson, the first governor of the area. Jacksonville prospered until the Civil War when the city was burned several times. Eventually the arrival of the railroad and wealthy tourists built the city up again. Naval bases built during World War II further contributed to the city’s growth. Recreation Today, Jacksonville is one of the fastest-growing cities in the South, and is the largest in square miles, covering several counties including St. John’s, Duval and Clay. More than one million people call Jacksonville home. Offering year-round recreational opportunities, Jacksonville residents and visitors can enjoy activities such as swimming, boating, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking at the beautiful beaches, on the St. John’s River, and on any of the numerous waterways. The many parks throughout the city offer tennis, basketball, volleyball, playgrounds, pools and ball fields. Hiking trails can be found in some city parks and at Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve where self-guided trails lead through various distinct ecological zones. Jacksonville is the home of the NFL Jacksonville Jaguars, an outstanding zoo, a Naval base, and many golf courses. To experience the thrill of professional golf, watch the PGA tour tee it up for The Players Championship, held in nearby Ponte Vedra Beach at the TCP at Sawgrass. Culture Jacksonville museums include the Alexander Brest Museum, housing decorative arts and pre-Colombian artifacts. The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens also contains decorative arts, dating from 2,000 BC. The museum has an outstanding collection of 18th century Meissen porcelain objects. On the grounds is a formal garden modeled on the Villa Gamberaia gardens in Florence. The Fort Caroline National Memorial is located near the site of the original French settlement. For a historical look at Jacksonville, visit the Jacksonville Historical Center. Tree Hill Nature Center contains native Florida flora and fauna in a 50-acre preserve. Entertainment For live performances of music or theatre, visit the extravagant Florida Theatre in downtown. The three-hall Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts is the home of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, which performs at the Robert E. Jackson Hall. Another hall, the Moran Theater, is used for Broadway touring shows, and the third hall, Terry Theater, is used for smaller performances. The Florida Community College at Jacksonville presents national and international ballet troupes, opera and contemporary dance companies. Events The Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair is held each October and includes livestock, a petting zoo, horticultural exhibits, carnival rides and arts and crafts displays. The Kuumba Festival is held each May to celebrate African-American culture with parades, music and food. July brings spectacular Fourth of July celebrations and the Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament with a fish fry, seafood festival and fishing derby. |
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