The lost impact of streetcar lines on Riverside

Largely viewed as a city built for the automobile, things were not always this way in Jacksonville. Eight decades have passed since buses replaced streetcars as the city's primary mode of public transportation. As time has moved on, the idea of a sunbelt city being built and developed to accommodate the automobile has become common amongst its population. However, the reality of Jacksonville's situation is that for much of first century of its development, the autombile was not a dominant mode of travel.

<h1>Murray Hill Car Line Photo Tour</h1>

The route of the Murray Hill car line is illustrated in red. Initially known as the Lemon Street car line, it was extended into Riverside in 1913 along Dellwood Avenue. From Dellwood, it was extended along Margaret Street, Myra Street, Stockton Street and College Street before crossing the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad into Murray Hill in 1914. This line offered residents 7.5 minute headways. After its completion, development surged on the blocks surrounding the route. Early 20th century commercial development along its path include King Street, Stockton Shops, Dellwood and Margaret and Murray Hill’s First Block.

Dellwood Avenue

Shortly after the opening of the Murray Hill car line, the intersection of Dellwood Avenue and Margaret Street began to emerge as another small commercial district in Riverside. A few blocks northeast, a larger district grew around the intersection of the Murray Hill and Lackawanna car lines. Unfortunately, this district was lost due to the construction of the I-95/I-10 interchange.

An exposed relic from Dellwood’s former streetcar track. (Paul Bremer)

Margaret Street

One block of Margaret Street served as the Murray Hill car line’s route between segments on Dellwood Avenue and Myra Street. Following World War II, additional commercial uses developed along this block.

Dellwood Avenue’s wide width at Margaret Street is a remnant of the Murray Hill car line.

Myra Street

The Murray Hill car line utilized Myra Street between Margaret and Stockton Streets. Along this tree lined corridor, and adjacent streets, several multi-family structures are nestled among single family residences.

Stockton Street (Stockton Shops)

This one block of Stockton Street served as a link between the Myra and College Street segments of the Murray Hill car line. Between 1928 and 1929, this block filled with commercial uses to support the neighborhood’s rapidly growing population.

College Street

The Murray Hill car line ran down College Street between the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad and Stockton Street. In addition to connecting Murray Hill and Riverside residents with downtown, the line also served several industrial uses along the ACL railroad corridor between Murray Hill and King Street. It was also an important corridor for businesses setting up shop along King Street.