The land we know today as Jacksonville has been home to several settlements over the course of history, dating back thousands of years, from native tribes to colonial groups.
But the story of the modern city of Jacksonville doesn’t begin until the late 18th century.
It was then that the British, who had taken control of the land from Spain, constructed a road to connect Georgia and St. Augustine.
The road, called the King’s Road, ran toward a narrow part of the St. Johns River around what’s now Liberty Street, creating the quickest path to crossing the river. The path was used to transport supplies as well as cattle; because of the latter use, it became known as Cow Ford – as did the surrounding area.
By the early 19th century, the political climate of the region was set for another huge shift, with the U.S. narrowing its focus toward acquiring Florida. At the time, Florida was under Spanish control – and split into two territories, West Florida and East Florida.
Several military operations took place with the aim of claiming Florida, with many being led by General Andrew Jackson.
By 1821, the U.S. had negotiated to acquire Florida, with Jackson serving as a military governor while a more permanent governing body was formed. Jackson of course went on to become America’s seventh president.
That same year, a prominent local resident named Isaiah D. Hart purchased eighteen acres of land along the north bank of the St. Johns River near the Cow Ford.
Hart saw an opportunity in the undeveloped area, which was incorporated into the newly-created Duval County in 1822.
By this point, the land had come to be known as Jacksonville in honor of General Jackson. Interestingly, Jackson never actually visited the town that would carry his name.
Hart enlisted the help of his neighbors, who owned adjacent land north of the river, to plan out several blocks of what would become their new town. He also started accumulating political capital, winning several public offices including county clerk of court and being named a deputy marshal. He acquired more land – and more than fifty slaves – for a massive plantation, sadistically named Paradise.
By the early 1830s, a group led by Hart had submitted a plan for the city of Jacksonville. And on February 9, 1832, the Florida Legislative Council approved its charter. William J. Mills was elected as the city’s first mayor.
An updated city charter would expand its northern boundaries and add what’s now known as Hemming Park. By the time Florida became a state in 1847, the city’s population had grown to around 750 people.
Of course, Jax has grown and evolved quite a bit since its founding almost 200 years ago. But as we move forward to a bright future, it’s critical to understand how it all started.
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