The Long Historical Reach of “Redlining”
Nearly two-thirds of Americans are homeowners, and for them, the difference between their home value and their mortgage balance is the lion’s share of what they consider their wealth. What is “redlining” and when did it begin?
Jacksonville’s Second Century
How much history can a city accumulate in 200 years? A lot, and Jacksonville has more, and more interesting history, than any place in Florida. Compared to our peer cities though, we seem less concerned with our civic inheritance. Why that is so makes for a lively conversation about Jacksonville’s identity. Whether it’s to explain a place or a person, the past is always where we look. Every city is unique, but Jacksonville stands out for its beauty combined with grittiness, its imposing size contrasted with its small-city feel, its serious problems balanced against its undeniable promise.
Jacksonville’s Great Fire Redefined the City
At 200 years old this year, Jacksonville retains very little of the built environment as it existed in 1822. For much of Jacksonville’s first 79 years of existence, development took place using timber construction. Consequently, the devastation of the Great Fire of 1901 created a clean slate on which to design and build a new downtown.
Who was Andrew Jackson?
In the 200th year of Jacksonville’s existence under that name, residents and visitors sometimes speculate as to why its early citizens identified themselves and their place with Andrew Jackson.
Surprising Jacksonville
For newcomers to Jacksonville, the city can be surprising in many ways. Once you get past the city’s sprawling size, and begin to explore neighborhoods new and old, you begin to sense there’s more here than meets the eye.
Historic anniversaries are not just for looking back
Time travel fantasies are fun, but historic anniversaries are not just for looking back.
A River Runs Through It
The St. Johns River Bridge, erected in 1921, was the first to bridge the gap for vehicle traffic between Jacksonville’s north and south banks. Nicknamed the Yellow Monster for its penchant to delay traffic while stuck in the raised position, the bridge later named the Acosta Bridge recently celebrated 100 years of service. Read more about Jacksonville’s bridges…
Making the Case for Historic Preservation
Part of our mission is to make the case for historic preservation, partly because it creates economic development in addition to cultural capital, but also because an old building contributes to the time capsule of city planning, architecture and construction as they were understood and practiced in the early 1900s.
One City, Many Stories
It’s never a dull moment at the Jacksonville Historical Society! What’s happening with historical monuments and markers? What about renaming parks? Learn how you can be “in the know” about our work.
The Aging of Urban Churches
In recent months, Jacksonville’s historic buildings have been a lively topic in the public discourse. The attention drawn by the demolition of Fire Station #5, on Riverside Avenue, as well […]