Some call Jacksonville, Florida, the River City by the Sea. It is located in the northeastern part of Florida where St. Johns River runs though the city and flows into the Atlantic Ocean. If you like the sun and are joining other Jacksonville movers, then you should know that it has recently been rated as being a top outdoor city and among the cleanest cities in the U.S.
Economy:
Jacksonville is a major port city that centers on manufacturing, commerce, finance, and insurance. Common exports of the city include lumber and paper, while imports include automotives and coffee. The city also serves as a large distribution hub with transportation available through air, railroad, or highways. The Navy also is a significant part of the economy with three bases in the city.
Tourism:
Jacksonville is a popular tourist destination. The Jacksonville International Airport is twelve miles from the city. The city features many beaches as well as fishing and yachting activities. The Jacksonville Jaguars of the NFL are the city's only major sports team, among several smaller professional and collegiate teams. Popular monuments in the city include the Confederate Monument and Fort Caroline Memorial Park. Additional destinations in Jacksonville are the World Golf Hall of Fame, the Jacksonville Naval Air Station and a city zoo.
History:
Florida was first explored by Spanish settlers in 1513. The French then built a fort in the area in 1564, but were driven out the following year by the Spanish. The British gained control of the area from Spain in 1763, but control reverted back to the Spanish in 1783. The first permanent settlement of the area was built in 1791. During the Civil War, Jacksonville served as a major supply center for livestock for Confederate troops. The Union army gained control of the city in 1862, but the city switched hands several times during the war. After the Civil War, the city became a major winter resort for many of America's wealthiest people. However, this declined somewhat with other nearby cities, such as Miami and Palm Beach, drawing visitors away. Additionally, yellow fever struck the city during the late 19th century, which both hurt the tourism industry and decreased the city's population.
Jacksonville was used as a major hub to send supplies and weapons to Cuba during the Spanish American War. A fire struck the city in 1901 that destroyed many business buildings and homes. The reconstruction of the city that followed was heavily influenced by the famous architect Henry Klutho. In the early 20th century, Jacksonville was the center of the newly started movie industry, although it soon moved to California because of objections to it by citizens. During the 1920's, the city grew sizably from an influx of new citizens. Soon after, the Navy brought many new people into the city because of several naval establishments that were built around the city.