Happy Birthday Jacksonville! A gorgeous city that doesn’t look a day over its 201 years. June 15, 1822 marks the founding of Jacksonville named for Andrew Jackson (first Military Governor of Florida and 7th U.S. President). Local history certainly predates this official establishment with being home to Native Americans for thousands of years. The French later colonized the area as Fort Caroline in 1564. Jacksonville Beach also claims this day in their history as it marks the date Pablo Beach was renamed in 1925.
Highlights of a Hidden Gem
With 22 miles of shoreline and largest urban park system in the United States Jacksonville has much to offer residents. Residents of the North and Midwest regions found Jacksonville to be a great winter vacation destination. It remained popular until railroad service extended to the south in the late 1800s. Rebounding from a devastating fire in 1901, Jacksonville went on to serve as an early capital to the movie industry. The Metro in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (aka MGM Studios) was a motion picture production company founded here in 1915. There were growing pains felt along the way including the Florida Land Bust and economic woes in the ’60s and ’70s. However, consolidation of municipalities in 1968 into a unified Jacksonville making it the largest city in Florida and the 13th largest in the U.S.
Happy Birthday Jacksonville!
While the weather has been less than ideal today (with some local activities unfortunately cancelled), overall Jacksonville is a gem to call home. From the gorgeous coastline, to the St. Johns River and all the parks in between – Jacksonville is an outdoor lovers dream. For activities, residents and guests are treated to museums, music, art, sporting events and more. I challenge anyone to find a weekend where there is nothing to do – because it just doesn’t seem likely.
If you have questions about what it’s like to Live in Jax or if you are planning a visit or thinking about a move to the Bold City – please feel free to reach out. I would welcome the opportunity to answer your questions and help you find the perfect place to call home!