Territory of this Jacksonville were discovered by Spanish settlers in 1513, but remained largely uninhabited until the arrival of the French, who in 1564 founded the Fort Caroline (Fort Caroline). Later the fort was destroyed by the Spaniards, who have gained control over these territories. In the end, after a short period of British rule, the area was ceded to the United States. By 1859 Jacksonville became a town (city) and has the largest port in Florida, which is passed through the wood and cotton.

 

Location Jacksonville on navigable river not far from the Atlantic Ocean contributed to the growth of the city and the development of industry in the region. The deepwater port is the largest in the south and the second largest on the East Coast. A balanced and diversified economy based on manufacturing, finance, insurance, biomedicine, information services, ship repair and material handling industries, tourism. At the same time the largest employer in the region is military, with several large databases nearby. In particular, to the north of Jacksonville is a huge naval base Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, where the fleet is based submarines with ballistic missiles on board. Just 20 km from downtown at the mouth of the St. Johns River placed the important Naval Base Naval Station Mayport, which is based 4th US fleet. It is estimated that the total economic return from the presence of the military in Jacksonville is more than 6 billion. $ Annually. Tourism is also an important sector of the economy, about 10% of jobs in the region directly or indirectly related to tourism. In 2008, Jacksonville visited more than 2.8 million tourists.

 

In Jacksonville daunaune rise a few skyscrapers, though none of them does not exceed 200 meters. The highest 42-story Bank of America Tower has a height of 188 meters.

 

Popular travel destinations in the center - a complex of Jacksonville Landing and the waterfront of the Jacksonville Riverwalks. Landing - a two-level complex of glass and steel with an orange roof, situated on the north bank of the St. Johns River. The complex consists of shops, restaurants and entertainment venues. Naberezhnye Riverwalks located on both banks of the river, the northern embankment Northbank Riverwalk has a length of more than 3 km south Southbank Riverwalk - 2 km.

 

A few steps from the northern waterfront is one of the largest urban museums - the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville (Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville), also known as MOCA Jacksonville.

 

  

On the south quay in St. Park Johns River Park is set to "Fountain of Friendship» Friendship Fountain) - one of the most recognizable and popular attractions for locals and tourists in Jacksonville. When in 1965, the fountain was built, it was positioned as "the highest and largest fountain in the world." In 2010-2011, the park and fountain seriously upgraded. Also located on the southern waterfront is one of the most visited museums in Jacksonville - Museum of Science and History (Museum of Science & History, or abbreviated MOSH).

 

Bridge Jacksonville's Main Street Bridge, which crosses the river in the heart of downtown, is one of the most recognizable symbols of the city. This vertical lift bridge, which means that the entire middle section of the bridge is raised by the lift towers to the high court passed the river. In addition to the four lanes on the bridge has a pedestrian sidewalk, making it popular with joggers and walkers.