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History of Jacksonville, Florida, USA
Journey back in time to Jacksonville, Florida, USA
Explore the history, people, photographs, newspapers, postcards, and genealogy connected to Jacksonville, Florida, USA.
About Jacksonville
The longest river sailboat race in the world is the Annual Mug Race. The event runs 42 miles from Palatka to Jacksonville along the St. Johns River.
The Saint John's River is one of the few rivers that flows north instead of south.
Jacksonville Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Genealogy gifts & optional resources
Genealogy Gifts & Resources Related to JACKSONVILLE

FLORIDA Survival Skills: Alligator Spotter and Hurricane Hero Ceramic Mug
Embrace your Floridian flair with our ceramic mug that tells the world, "I'm from Florida! That explains a lot about my skill in spotting alligators lurking in every body of water and ability to survive hurricanes with a margarita in hand." This mug is perfect for those who navigate life with a touch of humor and a whole lot of resilience.
Discover Jacksonville: History, News, Travel, and Stories
Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped Jacksonville through the years.
Hurricane timeline: 1495 to 1800
Sun Sentinel
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
www.sun-sentinel.com
Show more local history, news & stories
Acres of Smoldering Ruins Mark the Site of Metropolis of Florida -
TEN THOUSAND PERSONS LEFT WITHOUT SHELTER
Mayor Bowden Estimates That at Least That Many Have Been Made Homeless
IT IS FEARED MANY PERISHED IN AWFUL CONFLAGRATION
Property Loss Estimated at $15,000,000 - Hotels, Schools, Residences, Churches and Business Houses Were Swept Away. Jacksonville, Fla. May 4--1 a.m.-- The most disastrous fire in the history of this city began yesterday shortly after noon in a small factory, from a defective wire, according to the best belief, and burned for nearly ten hours. In that time a property damage estimated from $10,000,000 to $15,000,000 was effected.
According to the city map 130 blocks were burned many of them in the heart of the business and residence section... The mayor at a late hour stated that he estimated the loss at $15,000,000, and that 10,000 to 15,000 people were homeless.
BLACKENED RUINS
At 1 am the situation is one...
Jacksonville, Fla., April 30. - WILLIAM D. WILLS, 24, Dallas, Tex. and BESSIE COLEMAN, said to be the only negro aviatrix in the world were killed when the airplane in which they were making a practice flight overturned at 2,000 feet over a field here today. WILLS' body was cremated after the plane fell to the earth when a spectator struck the wreckage igniting gas line fumes.
WILLS was handling publicity for the exhibition the negro woman was to give here tomorrow.
Spectators said the plane took a nose dive at an altitude of 3,500 feet, and overturned after it had dropped 1,500 feet. The negro woman fell out of the plane when it overturned and it dropped to the earth with WILLS.
The COLEMAN woman came here Tuesday to prepare for the exhibition. She lives in Chicago.
The negro woman was not strapped in the plane when it took off, authorities said.
The pilot of the plane was killed, and an airman on the carrier deck burned to death.
Three men were critically injured and 18 hospitalized with minor burns or injuries.
It took nearly an hour to put out the flames that spread when the plane cartwheeled across the deck.
Six planes were destroyed or damaged. The carrier had considerable damage to its rear elevator, upper deck compartments and electrical wiring and equipment.
LT. JAMES C. STEELE, pilot of the jet, was waved off after a low approach but his right wing dipped, caught a parked aircraft and his plane then cartwheeled across the deck, followed by explosions and fire, the Navy reported.
STEELE and his plane went into the water and were lost. His widow is the former Wilma Moore of Harrodsburg, Ky., and his mother is Vera C. Steele of East Longmeadow, Mass.
CHARLES E. PORTER, the airman...
At the Mountain’s Base, by Traci Sorell and Weshoyot Alvitre
Before She Was Harriet, by Lesa Cline-Ransome and James E. Ransome
Chik Chak Shabbat, by Mara Rockliff and Kyrsten Brooker
Cow on the Town: Practicing the Ow Sound, by Isabella Garcia
Dreamers, by Yuyi Morales
Dumpling Soup, by Jama Kim Rattigan, and Lillian Hsu-Flanders
Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story, by Kevin Noble Maillard and Juana Martinez-Neal
The Gift of Ramadan, by Rabiah York Lumbard and Laura K. Horton
Grandfather Tang’s Story, by Ann Tompert and Robert Andrew Parker
Hush! A Thai Lullaby, by Minfong Ho and Holly Meade
Islandborn, by Junot Díaz and Leo Espinosa
Little Night/ Nochecita, by Yuyi Morales
Looking for Bongo, by Eric Velásquez
Lost and Found Cat : The True Story of Kunkush’s Incredible Journey by Doug Kuntz, Amy Shrodes and Sue ...
2. St. Johns Town Center: For shopping enthusiasts, this upscale open-air mall is a must. With a wide range of shops, boutiques, and restaurants, it's the perfect place to indulge in some retail therapy or grab a delicious meal.
3. Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens: If you appreciate art and nature, the Cummer Museum is a beautiful spot. It features an impressive art collection and stunning gardens along the St. Johns River.
4. Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens: Take a walk on the wild side at the Jacksonville Zoo. It's home to over 2,000 animals and beautifully landscaped gardens. Perfect for a family day out.
5. Riverside Arts Market: If you're in town on a Saturday, check out the Riverside Arts Market under the Fuller Warren Bridge. It's an eclectic mix of...
Discover YOUR Roots: Jacksonville Ancestry
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Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Jacksonville, Florida, USA
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