Interesting Facts

Once known for its odoriferous paper mills, Jacksonville has emerged into one of the insurance and banking capitals of the south.
Jacksonville's beginning dates back to an early 1800's settlement, called Cowford because cattle crossed the St. John's River here. The name was changed to Jacksonville in 1882 in honor of General Andrew Jackson, the provisional governor who had forced Spain to surrender Florida to the United States two years earlier.
You'll especially love Jacksonville if you're a beer drinker! Take a free 30-minute tour of the massive Jacksonville facility that brews Budweiser, Bud Light, Michelob, Busch and O'Douls. After the tour you can enjoy two free glasses of beer. But be sure to bring a jacket or sweater. Things can get a little chilly � the beer ferments in a 45-degree chamber.
The Friendship Fountain at the west end of Southbank Park is the nation's largest self-contained fountain � 200 feet in diameter. Be sure to check it out at night when 250 colored lights add to its beauty.
Jacksonville is a golfer's paradise � especially at the Sawgrass Marriott. The nation's second largest golf resort is surrounded by 99 holes including the TPC-Stadium course, home of the annual Player's Championship every March. This course has appeared on every "best of" list since its beginning in 1980.
In terms of area, with over 840 square miles, Jacksonville is the largest city in the United States so it should come as no surprise that Jax has lots to offer visitors. Pristine beaches, museums of art and science, high rise office towers, historic neighborhoods, a zoo and a wonderful waterfront are just a few of the reasons that draw people to the area.
Jacksonville Landing is a great place to visit for food and shopping. This two-level horseshoe shaped building was completed in 1987. Developed by Rouse Corporation, Jacksonville Landing is one of their signature "festival marketplaces" that also include Faneuil Hall in Boston and Bayside Marketplace in Miami.
Go Fish! For some "reel" fun, try fishing off the 1000 foot long Jacksonville Beach Fishing Pier. No license is required and rods and reels can be rented.
It's a jungle in there! With over 1000 animals, the Jacksonville Zoo is one of the most popular attractions in town. Some favorites include the meerkats and the primate exhibits (gorillas, chimpanzees, lemurs, and mandrills).Take careful notice of the authentic thatched roof at the entrance, constructed by 24 Zulu craftsmen in 1995.
History buffs will enjoy a visit to Zephaniah Kingsley's Plantation. Kingsley, a white man who owned more than 200 slaves, owned this 19th century property, where he encouraged his slaves to continue the heritage of tribal chants and dances once they arrived in America. Married to a Senegalese woman, one of his former slaves, Kingsley eventually moved his family to Haiti. Today, the National Park Service maintains the plantation.