Merrill-Stevens: Legacy of the Southside Shipyard

December 19, 2024 | Andrew Nicholas

history

Guest writer Andrew R. Nicholas dives into the history of a World War I era shipyard site now occupied by Bishop Kenny High School.

Historic scenes of Downtown Jacksonville in color

December 6, 2024 | Ennis Davis, AICP

history

A collection on historic scenes from Downtown Jacksonville's past in color.

The first Thanksgivings on the First Coast

November 28, 2024 | Article by Bill Delaney

history

Five decades before the Pilgrims celebrated their feast at Plymouth, Massachusetts, French and Spanish colonists held celebrations of Thanksgiving on Florida’s First Coast. Here are the stories of some of...

Video: Downtown Jacksonville in 1950

November 21, 2024 | Ennis Davis, AICP

history

This video from www.travelfilmarchive.com captures scenes of downtown Jacksonville and the rest of the state in 1950. It is a much watch for anyone who desires to see what our...

Ray Charles in Jacksonville

November 18, 2024 | Editorial by Ennis Davis, AICP

history

American musical icon Ray Charles launched his career as a pianist, singer, composer, and bandleader in Jacksonville. Ray Charles Robinson was born in Albany, Georgia on September 23, 1930. His...

Historic scenes of downtown Jacksonville in color

November 14, 2024 | Ennis Davis, AICP

history

A collection on historic scenes from Downtown Jacksonville's past in color.

Jaxlore: Ghosts of Evergreen Cemetery

October 31, 2024 | Article by Bill Delaney

history

Jaxlore is a column by Bill Delaney on the folklore, urban legends and local traditions of Jacksonville and the First Coast. Jacksonville’s historic spaces offer no shortage of secrets and...

A century of murder, mayhem, and fraud in Jacksonville

October 25, 2024 | Ennis Davis, AICP

history

Do you really know your next door neighbor? Over the last century, Jacksonville has been the home of several interesting characters and residents who operated on the other side of...

The malling of Deerwood

October 7, 2024 | Editorial by Ennis Davis, AICP

history

The Jaxson takes a look at the rise, repositioning and survival of Deerwood Village Mall, one of the Southside's oldest shopping malls.

Florida's five largest cities in 1900

September 16, 2024 | Editorial by Ennis Davis, AICP

history

In 1900, Florida was the 32nd largest state in the country with a population of 528,542. At the time, Florida was the South's smallest state by population. However, the seeds...

Memory lane: The Chitlin’ Circuit’s famed Two Spot Club

September 2, 2024 | Ennis Davis, AICP

history

Moncrief’s Two Spot was said to be the finest dance palace in the country owned by an African American during its heyday. Here is a rare look inside Florida’s largest...

The Gilded Era hotels of Henry Flagler

August 19, 2024 | Ennis Davis, AICP

history

Considered to be the brains behind John D. Rockefeller’s Standard Oil Co., Henry Morrison Flagler is recognized as one of the most influential individuals in the development of Florida. Following...

Florida Trust announces 2024 11 to Save list

July 17, 2024 | Florida Trust for Historic Preservation

history

The Florida Trust for Historic Preservation recently announced this year’s 11 to Save, most endangered historic places in Florida. The annual list provides a voice for communities around the state,...

6 buildings Jacksonville should have saved

June 25, 2024 | Ennis Davis, AICP

history

It can be argued that Jacksonville is a city that has lost much of its historical identity over the years. Here are six downtown buildings that should have never been...

6 stories from Jacksonville’s LGBTQ history

June 10, 2024 | Article by Bill Delaney

history

From Timucua two-spirits to bisexual blues musicians to the continued celebration of River City Pride, Jacksonville has a long and storied LGBTQ history. In honor of Pride Month, The Jaxson...

Photos: 1970s Jacksonville Beach

June 7, 2024 | Ennis Davis, AICP

A look at Jacksonville Beach during the 1970s.

8 defunct grocery chains you remember

March 29, 2024 | Ennis Davis, AICP

Before chains like Walmart, Publix, Winn-Dixie and Whole Foods dominated the grocery business, these names once anchored shopping centers and street corners throughout our cities.

The legacy of Eartha Mary Magdalene White

March 25, 2024 | Editorial by Ennis Davis, AICP

Born in Jacksonville in 1876, Eartha Mary Magdalene White followed her formerly enslaved mother’s example by dedicating her life to improving living conditions for the city’s poor. Today, White is...

Women's history: The Rathel Houses

March 18, 2024 | Editorial by Ennis Davis, AICP

In honor of Women's History Month, here’s a look at the life and works of Marvel Funderburk Rathel. While not as well known as many names in the architectural world,...

The madams of Jacksonville's red light district

March 11, 2024 | Editorial by Ennis Davis, AICP

Now known as Houston Street in the LaVilla neighborhood, Ward Street was once the epicenter of one of the South's largest bustling red light districts. Originating in the late 1880s,...

A tribute to Hank Aaron and Ben Geraghty

February 22, 2024 | Guest editorial by Michael Geraghty

This guest editorial Michael Geraghty, grandnephew of legendary Jacksonville baseball manager Ben Geraghty, honors his great uncle's relationship with the 'home run king' Hank Aaron and their historic roles in...

The history of 'Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing'

February 13, 2024 | Bill Delaney

On February 12, 1900, James Weldon Johnson's song 'Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing' was sung for the first time by a choir of Jacksonville children for a celebration of Abraham...

6 Black cultural heritage sites to visit in town

February 12, 2024 | Ennis Davis, AICP

In honor of Black History Month, here are six historic African American cultural heritage destinations in Jacksonville to visit.

The Civil War Photography of St. Augustine

February 9, 2024 | Article by Andrew R. Nicholas

Local writer Andrew Nicholas shares a look at pictures taken of St. Augustine by Union photographer Samuel Abbot Cooley during the Civil War.

Neighborhoods: The Hill

February 5, 2024 | Ennis Davis, AICP

The Hill is a historic African American neighborhood in Jacksonville Beach that dates back to the late 19th century.

Photos: Fort Clinch State Park

February 1, 2024 | Ennis Davis, AICP

Named in honor of General Duncan Lamont Clinch after his death in 1849, Fort Clinch is a coastal fortification built by the United States on Amelia Island, at the entrance...

Inside the Claude Nolan Cadillac Building

January 25, 2024 | Ennis Davis, AICP

Bullet of Abandoned Florida provides us with a rare look inside one of Florida's first automobile dealerships: The Claude Nolan Cadillac Building

Cultural heritage trails increasing in popularity

December 18, 2023 | Ennis Davis, AICP

Cultural heritage trails take users on journeys between sites, attractions or businesses by providing information and storytelling on their unique neighborhood or environment. In many communities, heritage trails are intended...

Before urban renewal: LaVilla's Davis Street

December 15, 2023 | Ennis Davis, AICP

What does urban renewal look like? What did LaVilla, Jacksonville's oldest suburb, dating back to 1866 look like? Ask no more. We recently received access to pre-demolition photographs of properties...

1971 Downtown Jacksonville Photographs

December 5, 2023 | Ennis Davis, AICP

Scenes from the streets of Downtown Jacksonville from the Jacksonville Public Library Florida Collection. The photographs were taken by Norman N. Griffith in 1971.

The Harlems of the South

December 4, 2023 | Editorial by Ennis Davis, AICP

Nearly every city of significant size in the south, claim's their version of Jacksonville's LaVilla is the 'Harlem of the South'? Here is a look at six different 'Harlems of...

The First Coast of Funk

November 27, 2023 | Guest editorial by Leo Esclamado

As Hip Hop celebrates 50 years, the First Coast is where James Brown and crew crafted Hip Hop’s iconic funky rhythms. Read about how James Brown got his groove in...

Jaxlore: 9 Jacksonville legends

October 31, 2023 | Article by Bill Delaney

Jaxlore is a column by Bill Delaney on the folklore, urban legends and local traditions of Jacksonville and the First Coast. In honor of spooky season, today's column brings together...

Inside Historic Mount Olive A.M.E. Church

October 13, 2023 | Ennis Davis, AICP

A rare view inside an architectural masterpiece designed by Richard Lewis Brown, Jacksonville's earliest known African American architect: Mount Olive A.M.E. Church

A trip down memory lane: LaVilla

September 10, 2023 | Ennis Davis

Eighteen rare historic photographs capturing the essence of Downtown Jacksonville's LaVilla community prior to desegregation and urban renewal.

1920s Florida Land Boom: Jacksonville's San Jose

August 2, 2023 | Article by Ennis Davis, AICP

1920s photographs of Jacksonville's San Jose Estates development. Now known as the neighborhood of San Jose, San Jose Estates was a large scale planned development that never came to fruition...

The Mysterious Betz Sphere of Fort George Island

July 28, 2023 | Article by Bill Delaney

In 1974, the Betz family of Jacksonville found a metal orb in the woods of Fort George Island. Over the years, the enigmatic “Betz sphere” has generated speculation about what...

6 buildings Jacksonville should have saved

July 4, 2023 | Ennis Davis, AICP

It can be argued that Jacksonville is a city that has lost much of its historical identity over the years. Here are six downtown buildings that should have never been...

Juneteenth and the Transatlantic Slave Trade

June 19, 2023 | Ennis Davis, AICP

While most states recognize Juneteenth as either a state holiday, ceremonial holiday, or day of observance, many things we take for granted today such as the coffeehouse, tea rooms and...

The story of Nesbit's Donut & Sandwich Shop

June 5, 2023 | Ennis Davis, AICP

Although National Donut Day has passed, here's a local story linking one of Jacksonville's oldest continuously operated restaurants to the sugary treat.

Five women's history sites and stories in Jacksonville

March 27, 2023 | Editorial by Bill Delaney and Ennis Davis, AICP

In honor of Women's History Month, here are a few sites and stories associated with women who transformed our community and nation.

St. Augustine hosted the first St. Patrick's Day parade

March 17, 2023 | Article by Bill Delaney

Forgotten for centuries, the ancient city of St. Augustine hosted what was evidently the world's first recorded parade celebrating St. Patrick's Day during the Spanish colonial period in 1600 and...

Nirvana Live at the Morocco Shrine Auditorium

March 8, 2023 | Article by Andrew R. Nicholas

Before the Morocco Shrine Auditorium was demolished on February 1, 2023, it provided Jacksonville with a venue for events, conventions and concerts. Local historian Andrew R. Nicholas tells the story...

The Architectural Works of John Anderson Lankford

February 20, 2023 | Ennis Davis, AICP

Regarded as the 'dean of Black architecture', John Anderson Lankford was a nationally known early 20th century Architect with significant ties to Jacksonville. Virtually unknown to modern day Jaxsons, Lankford...

Jacksonville's Sugar Hill

February 7, 2023 | Ennis Davis, AICP

Largely razed as a result of mid-20th century discriminatory practices, Sugar Hill was segregation era Black Jacksonville's version of middle class inner city living. In honor of Black History Month,...

5 places to walk in Martin Luther King Jr.'s footsteps

January 16, 2023 | Ennis Davis, AICP

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, here are five places King spent time in during his visits to Jacksonville.

Sights and Scenes: The Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum

December 29, 2022 | Ennis Davis, AICP

A look at the official Museum of the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum at Big Cypress Reservation.

4 myths about Jacksonville's city government

December 20, 2022 | Editorial by Bill Delaney

Jacksonville City Hall provides no shortage of things to criticize, but there are some common complaints that don’t stand up to scrutiny. From arguements that the City Council is too...

Florida Trust Shares First 11 to Save Grant Fund Awards

December 8, 2022 | The Florida Trust for Historic Preservation

Florida Trust Shares First 11 to Save Grant Fund Awards to Protect and Share Unique Florida History. Florida Trust joins millions around the world participating in the global generosity movement...

Historic preservation challenging, but rewarding

December 6, 2022 | Guest Editorial by Alan J. Bliss, Ph.D.

A guest editorial by Alan J. Bliss, Ph.D., the Chief Executive Officer of the Jacksonville Historical Society highlighting the importance of historic preservation.

Fort Caroline: The French settlement on the St. Johns

November 25, 2022 | Article by Andrew R. Nicholas

From 1564-1565, the banks of the St. Johns River in Jacksonville was home to the French settlement of Fort Caroline. Andrew R. Nicholas tells the story of the fort, the...

LaVilla's Railroad Row in color

November 21, 2022 | Ennis Davis, AICP

A look at LaVilla's historic Railroad Row district in color.

Women of World War 2: The WAVES at NAS Jacksonville

November 11, 2022 | Article by Bill Delaney

During World War II, thousands of American women served in the U.S. Navy's Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service program. In honor of Veterans Day, The Jaxson shares a collection...

Jaxlore: Alpha Paynter, ghost of TacoLu

October 31, 2022 | Article by Bill Delaney

Jaxlore is a column by Bill Delaney on the folklore, urban legends and local traditions of Jacksonville and the First Coast. In honor of spooky season, today's edition looks at...

Jaxlore: Ghosts of Evergreen Cemetery

October 24, 2022 | Article by Bill Delaney

Jaxlore is a column by Bill Delaney on the folklore, urban legends and local traditions of Jacksonville and the First Coast. Jacksonville’s historic spaces offer no shortage of secrets and...

Eastside deserves national historic designation

October 3, 2022 | Editorial by Ennis Davis, AICP

Located just east of Springfield and Downtown, the Historic Eastside neighborhood is one of the most intact nineteenth-century African American neighborhoods in Jacksonville, and it still upholds its history as...

The Photography of Max Moody Jr.

September 21, 2022 | Andrew R. Nicholas

Max Moody Jr. (1913 – 1987), CEO of heavy equipment company M.D. Moody & Sons, was a prominent Jacksonville businessman of the 20th century. As shown by his photos, shared...

Identifying the ghost sign from outside my window

August 16, 2022 | Kady Yellow

Inspired by the Jaxson Magazine, Kady Yellow, Senior Director of Placemaking at Downtown Vision, identifies the ghost sign that haunts Downtown Jacksonville from outside her living room window.

A walk inside the Masonic Temple

June 28, 2022 | Article by Ennis Davis, AICP

Located at 410 Broad Street, the Masonic Temple (also known as Masonic Temple, Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge PHA) was constructed by the Grand Lodge between 1912 and 1916. It...

Five disastrous urban renewal failures

June 8, 2022 | Ennis Davis, AICP

While urban renewal was primarily a mid-20th century phenomenon that decimated the cores of America's cities, here's a few disastrous failures that have occurred over the last 30 years.

Historic LaVilla in color

June 2, 2022 | Article by Ennis Davis, AICP

Designated in 1979 by President Jimmy Carter, June is recognized as African American Music Appreciation Month. To celebrate the African American musical influences and events that are locally tied to...

A blast from the past: 1970s Jacksonville Beach

June 1, 2022 | Ennis Davis, AICP

A look at Jacksonville Beach during the 1970s.

Uncovering Jacksonville's Asian American story

May 16, 2022 | Article by Ennis Davis, AICP

Since 1990, May has been recognized as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, celebrating the achievements, history, culture and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United...

Seven historic Arab American sites in Jacksonville

April 25, 2022 | Ennis Davis and Bill Delaney

Starting with the arrival of the first immigrants in the 1890s, Arab Americans have had a major impact on the growth of Jacksonville in business, politics, medicine and the culinary...

Six women's history sites in Jacksonville

March 22, 2022 | Ennis Davis, AICP

In honor of Women's History Month, here are five sites associated with women who transformed our community and nation.

Unsung Black women are notable in Jacksonville history

March 4, 2022 | Adrienne Burke, AICP, Esq. and Ennis Davis, AICP

In honor of Women's History Month, let’s reflect upon the lives of unsung African-American women who helped build Jacksonville.

Historic sites awarded restoration funds

March 1, 2022 | Ennis Davis, AICP

Seven historic buildings in Jacksonville are poised to receive African American Cultural and Historical grant funding for their restoration.

Lost history: Saving what's left of Sugar Hill

February 23, 2022 | Ennis Davis

In honor of Black History Month, here's a look at rare images and the story of Jacksonville's Sugar Hill neighborhood. Prior to largely being destroyed by desegregation, highway construction, medical...

Six Gullah Geechee neighborhoods in Jacksonville

February 15, 2022 | Article by Ennis Davis, AICP

In honor of Black History Month, here a six historic Gullah Geechee communities in Jacksonville.

Historical Jewels in Jacksonville

February 3, 2022 | By Jada Wright-Greene

In honor of Black History Month, here are ten historic African-American sites in Jacksonville to visit, recommended by Jada Wright-Greene of HeritageSalon.org.

A tour of Jacksonville's Southern rock graves

January 28, 2022 | Bill Delaney

Jacksonville, the birthplace of Southern rock, is also the final resting place of many who defined the genre. Photographer Chris Soldt takes a tour of Jacksonville's Southern rock graves.

Inside LaVilla's 318 North Broad Street

January 26, 2022 | Article by Ennis Davis, AICP

A look inside a historic brick commercial storefront building that surrounds an older frame residential dwelling.

A rare look inside Historic Old Stanton School

January 19, 2022 | Ennis Davis, AICP

A rare look inside one of Florida's most overlooked historically significant buildings: Historic Stanton

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Jacksonville

January 17, 2022 | Adrienne Burke, AICP, Esq.

A brief editorial highlighting the importance of a historic site related to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Downtown Jacksonville.

Exposing History: Miami's Overtown

January 3, 2022 | Article by Ennis Davis, AICP

A look at an innovative and affordable solution to highlighting the forgotten history of an urban neighborhood.

The Historic Haile Homestead: The Talking Walls

December 28, 2021 | Article by Ennis Davis, AICP

Built by 56 enslaved laborers in 1856, the Historic Haile Homestead is uniquely known for its 'Talking Walls.'

Vintage Photos: Vibrant LaVilla

December 21, 2021 | Ennis Davis, AICP

Largely razed in the name of 1990s urban redevelopment, LaVilla was one of Jacksonville's most walkable neighborhoods with a fascinating history.

The Sugar Hill that still survives

December 15, 2021 | Ennis Davis, AICP

Largely razed as a result of mid-20th century discriminatory practices, Sugar Hill was segregation era Black Jacksonville's version of middle class inner city living.

Virtual Event: Jacksonville's Military History

December 10, 2021 | Article by Ennis Davis, AICP

On December 10, 2021, the Jessie Ball duPont Fund and Ennis Davis of The Jaxson present Jacksonville History & Heritage Series: Jacksonville's Military History

Erased Jacksonville: Historic Mount Zion Community

November 16, 2021 | Article by Ennis Davis, AICP

The Jaxson visits a historic African American settlement community site that has been surrounded by modern development.

Jaxlore: 9 Jacksonville legends

October 27, 2021 | Bill Delaney

Jaxlore is a column by Bill Delaney on the folklore, urban legends and local traditions of Jacksonville and the First Coast. In honor of spooky season, today's column brings together...

Jacksonville ghost towns: Greenland

October 22, 2021 | Article by Ennis Davis, AICP

The Jaxson explores the remains of one of Jacksonville's forgotten ghost towns: Greenland

A brief history of film in Jacksonville

September 29, 2021 | Sarah Dumitrascu, Bill Delaney and Ennis Davis, AICP

In honor of National Silent Film Day, The Jaxson shares a brief presentation highlighting the history of the silent film era in Jacksonville.

City of the Dead: Père Lachaise Cemetery

September 21, 2021 | Article by Ennis Davis, AICP

Dating back to 1804, Père Lachaise Cemetery is the largest cemetery in Paris, France and the most visited cemetery in the world with more than 3.5 million visitors annually.

Arlington history in color

September 9, 2021 | Article by Ennis Davis, AICP

A rare look at various historic scenes of Jacksonville's Arlington neighborhood in color.

Fort Caroline: The French settlement on the St. Johns

August 18, 2021 | Article by Andrew R. Nicholas

From 1564-1565, the banks of the St. Johns River in Jacksonville was home to the French settlement of Fort Caroline. Andrew R. Nicholas tells the story of the fort, the...

Yellow Jax: The 1888 Jacksonville Yellow Fever Epidemic

August 12, 2021 | Article by Bill Delaney

In summer 1888, an invisible killer stalked the streets of Jacksonville. “Yellow Jack” took hundreds of lives, forced the city into lockdown, and toppled a progressive, biracial city government. The...

Historic scenes of the Rail Yard District in color

August 11, 2021 | Ennis Davis, AICP

It's a location where the majority of rail traffic moves through the state of Florida. During the early 20th century this area west of Downtown Jacksonville developed as a logistics,...

Destroyed by Urban Renewal: Hansontown

August 3, 2021 | Article by Ennis Davis, AICP

Vintage photos of a downtown Jacksonville neighborhood destroyed by urban renewal: Hansontown

The Florida Trust announces 2021 11 to Save List

July 27, 2021 | Article by Ennis Davis, AICP

The Florida Trust for Historic Preservation has announced the 2021 edition of Florida’s 11 to Save List. The list spotlights the most threatened historic properties in the state, and drives...

The story of Jacksonville's Filipino community

July 26, 2021 | Article by Sarah Dumitrascu

Jacksonville is home to the biggest Filipino population in Florida, with more than 25,000 residents of Filipino descent in the 2010 Census. Join The Jaxson for a brief history of...

Jacksonville's surviving Green Book sites

July 23, 2021 | Article by Ennis Davis, AICP

First published in 1936, the 'Negro Motorist Green Book' was a compilation of restaurants, over-night accommodations, gas stations and other public services for people of color traversing a “White-only” landscape...

Four stories from Jacksonville's LGBTQ history

June 30, 2021 | Bill Delaney

From Timucua two-spirits in the 16th century to bisexual blues musicians to the continued celebration of River City Pride, Jacksonville has a long and storied LGBTQ history. In honor of...

Marineland: The history of bringing the ocean ashore

June 23, 2021 | Article by Sarah Dumitrascu

Today, Marineland celebrates its 83rd anniversary. Look back on the history of the world's first oceanarium and the impact it has had Florida and on the relationship between humans and...

Florida LGBTQ history: Timucua two-spirits

June 16, 2021 | Bill Delaney

Florida's LGBTQ history begins thousands of years before Europeans arrived. Before colonization, most Native American societies in North America had gender roles for people of a mixed or third gender...

Father Félix Varela: Spell It Right!

May 28, 2021 | Guest article by Marisella Veiga

In this guest article, writer Marisella Veiga discusses the legacy of Cuban-American priest and author Félix Varela and her campaign to have his name spelled correctly on signs in his...

The lost St. Johns River fishing village of Fulton

April 23, 2021 | Article by Ennis Davis, AICP

The rise and fall of a 19th century farming and fishing village that was once home to an Episcopal mission for the former enslaved: Fulton

Women of World War II: The WAVES at NAS Jacksonville

March 8, 2021 | Article by Bill Delaney

During World War II, thousands of American women served in the U.S. Navy's Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service program. In celebration of Women's History Month, The Jaxson presents a...

The baseball museum under JP Small Park

January 26, 2021 | Ennis Davis, AICP

The Jaxson shares a sneak peak at a new baseball museum at Jacksonville's James P. Small Memorial Park. A historic baseball stadium in the Durkee Gardens National Register Historic District,...

Walkable Jacksonville: Myrtle Avenue

December 21, 2020 | Ennis Davis, AICP

Jacksonville's urban core is home to a number of historic walkable neighborhood commercial districts. Many are a direct result of the city's former electric streetcar network that operated between 1880...

The Jax Red Caps: Florida's first major leaguers

December 18, 2020 | Bill Delaney

Major League Baseball's decision to recognize seven historic Negro Leagues as major leagues will shake up the sports history of many cities. Jacksonville, home to the Red Caps of the...

Cultural heritage placemaking: Atlanta's Auburn Avenue

December 11, 2020 | Ennis Davis, AICP

A new cultural heritage placemaking project helps highlight the rich history of Atlanta's Sweet Auburn.

A history of The Florida Times-Union

December 4, 2020 | Andrew R. Nicholas

Across several incarnations and ownership changes, The Florida Times-Union and its predecessors have served Jacksonville and Northeast Florida since 1864. Guest writer Andrew Nicholas provides this history of Jacksonville’s newspaper...

A tour of historic Evergreen Cemetery

October 27, 2020 | Bill Delaney

Evergreen Cemetery is the oldest cemetery in Jacksonville that's still in operation, and one of the city's great historic spaces. Join The Jaxson for a look at the cemetery's history...

Harriet Tubman's Jacksonville story

October 21, 2020 | Ennis Davis, AICP

Born Araminta Ross and known as “the Moses of her people,” Harriet Tubman escaped enslavement and rescued hundreds through a network of safe houses and antislavery activists known as the...

America’s Lost Towns of Black Affluence

October 14, 2020 | BY MESSYNESSY

Parisian blog The Messy Nessy Chic shares its perspective on America's lost towns of Black affluence.

Inside an abandoned cigar factory

October 13, 2020 | Ennis Davis, AICP

Bullet of Abandoned Florida provides us with a rare look inside an early 20th century cigar factory: West Tampa's Balbin Brothers Cigar Factory.

Felix Mantilla helped break Jax's baseball color line

October 6, 2020 | Bill Delaney

In 1953, Afro-Puerto Rican infielder and future major leaguer Felix Mantilla made Southern baseball history as part of the Jacksonville Braves' first racially integrated team, playing alongside Hank Aaron. For...

Jacksonville's forgotten Cuban cigar industry

September 15, 2020 | Ennis Davis, AICP

In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, The Jaxson and Modern Cities highlight a bit of forgotten early 20th century Cuban cigar manufacturing history in Jacksonville.

Florida largest cities: 100 years ago

September 8, 2020 | Ennis Davis, AICP

Can you guess what were Florida's top ten largest cities in 1920? Take a look, the list may surprise you.

The Pearson Brothers: A Jacksonville Civil Rights Story

August 28, 2020 | Jacksonville Planning and Development Department Historic Preservation Office

In honor of the contributions and sacrifices that the Pearson family has made in the effort to make Jacksonville a more inclusive and equitable environment for all, the Jacksonville Historic...

The story behind Ax Handle Saturday's most famous photo

August 27, 2020 | Bill Delaney

On August 27, 1960, a Life Magazine photographer captured Charlie Griffin in the aftermath of the racist attack now known as Ax Handle Saturday. Published at a time when the...

Henry B. Plant: The King of Florida

July 30, 2020 | Ennis Davis, AICP

Jacksonville and much of Florida owes a lot of gratitude to this railroad tycoon, whose 19th century infrastructure investments have paved the way for a 21st century Florida.

The Florida Trust announces 2020 11 to Save List

July 29, 2020 | Ennis Davis, AICP

The Florida Trust for Historic Preservation has announced the 2020 edition of Florida’s 11 to Save List. The list spotlights the most threatened historic properties in the state, and drives...

The disturbing history of the suburbs

July 15, 2020 | Ennis Davis, AICP

Ever wonder why our cities look the way they do? This brief educational comedy video by Adam Ruins Everything highlights racial discriminatory housing policies from the Jim Crow era still...

Six historic women's suffrage sites in Jacksonville

July 9, 2020 | Ennis Davis, AICP

A look at six sites in Jacksonville connected to the women's suffrage movement that are worthy of more exploration, preservation and inclusive storytelling.

Keeping the Memory of the Chitlin Circuit Alive

July 3, 2020 | Ennis Davis, AICP

A look at eight Chitlin Circuit venues standing throughout the state of Florida.

4 racial protests and riots from Jacksonville's past

June 2, 2020 | Editorial by Ennis Davis, AICP

The protests and riots taking place across the country following the murder of George Floyd are nothing new. Neither is the simple request by people of color to be treated...

Abandoned: Burdines Department Store

May 28, 2020 | Abandoned Florida

Abandoned Florida takes a look inside of Downtown Miami's former Burdines flagship department store.

The Story of Milligan's Beefy Burgers

May 25, 2020 | Ennis Davis, AICP

In honor of National Hamburger Month, Modern Cities and the Jaxson take a look back at a long lost Mid-Century Jacksonville institution: Milligan's Beefy Burgers

Writers of the First Coast: Harriet Beecher Stowe

April 21, 2020 | Bill Delaney

Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of the abolitionist novel Uncle Tom's Cabin, spent her winters in what is now Jacksonville from 1867 to 1884. From her cottage in the town of...

Six free black towns in Florida

April 14, 2020 | Ennis Davis, AICP

Wherever slavery has existed, the enslaved have endeavored to escape to freedom. Under Spanish rule, Florida was a destination for freedom seekers escaping plantations in Georgia, the Carolinas and Alabama...

Hidden Florida: Ginger Ale Spring

April 7, 2020 | Bill Delaney

Bubbling up just off a busy Altamonte Springs road is one of Central Florida's most unique but least known natural treasures. Named for the soft drink made from its waters...

14 exceptional women with Jacksonville ties

March 31, 2020 | Ennis Davis, AICP

For the last day of Women's History Month, we pay homage to the contributions of 14 exceptional women in history with Jacksonville ties.

Yellow Jax: The 1888 Jacksonville Yellow Fever Epidemic

March 30, 2020 | Bill Delaney

In summer 1888, an invisible killer stalked the streets of Jacksonville. “Yellow Jack” took hundreds of lives, forced the city into lockdown, and toppled a progressive, biracial city government. The...

The uncovering of Sand Hills Cemetery

March 27, 2020 | Ennis Davis, AICP

Underneath a forgotten Northside shopping mall lies the remains of a 19th century cemetery associated with the yellow fever epidemic of 1888.

The architectural works of Joseph Haygood Blodgett

March 23, 2020 | Ennis Davis, AICP

A look at the overlooked architectural works of Joseph Haygood Blodgett. One of Jacksonville's early architects and Florida's first black millionaires.

Eight defunct grocery chains you remember

March 9, 2020 | Ennis Davis, AICP

Before chains like Walmart, Publix, Winn-Dixie and Whole Foods dominated the grocery business, these names once anchored shopping centers and street corners throughout our cities.

The history of Murray Hill

March 4, 2020 | Ennis Davis, AICP

Modern Cities highlights the history of Murray Hill. The presentation by Ennis Davis, AICP took place on March 3, 2020 in coordination with the Murray Hill Preservation Association and American...

Unsung black women are notable in Jacksonville history

March 2, 2020 | Ennis Davis, AICP

In honor of Women's History Month, let’s reflect upon the lives of unsung African-American women who helped build Jacksonville.

Before & After: Jacksonville

February 27, 2020 | Ennis Davis, AICP

In 1950, Jacksonville was a stagnant 30 square mile city with 204,000 residents. Today, the city is the most populous in Florida and the 12th-largest in the United States with...

Before & After: Miami-Dade County

February 21, 2020 | Ennis Davis, AICP

In 1950, the Greater Miami area was home to less than 700,000 residents. Today, the metropolitan areas is the most populous in Florida and the seventh-largest in the United States...

Jacksonville's early black architects

February 17, 2020 | Ennis Davis, AICP

Modern Cities highlights the forgotten story of early Jacksonville's black architects. The presentation by Ennis Davis, AICP took place on February 15, 2020 at the Durkeeville Historical Society.

Durkee Gardens: Jax's first black historic district

February 5, 2020 | Ennis Davis, AICP

Situated on the opposite side of Interstate 95 from Downtown Jacksonville, Durkeeville is a historic neighborhood that most Jaxsons may not know or have visited. Developed for Jacksonville's rapidly growing...

Historical Jewels in Jacksonville

February 2, 2020 | By Jada Wright-Greene

In honor of Black History Month, here are ten historic African-American sites in Jacksonville to visit, recommended by Jada Wright-Greene of HeritageSalon.org.

Jake Godbold and Fred Cotten’s Barbecue

January 24, 2020 | Guest Article by Dr. Tim Gilmore

In honor of former Jacksonville mayor Jake Godbold (1934 - 2020), here is a story about one of his favorite local spots in town.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Jacksonville

January 19, 2020 | Adrienne Burke, AICP, Esq.

A brief editorial highlighting the importance of a historic site related to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Downtown Jacksonville.

Abandoned: Yellow Water Nuclear Weapons Storage Area

November 11, 2019 | Bullet of Abandoned Florida

Abandoned Florida takes a look inside of former Cecil Field Naval Air Station's forgotten Yellow Water Weapons Storage Area.

Florida-Georgia: The History Of A Jax Tradition

November 1, 2019 | Bill Delaney

The annual Florida-Georgia football game is one of Jacksonville's oldest and most storied traditions. Dating back to 1915 (or is it 1904?) it has a history that puts most college...

A Century of Murder, Mayhem, and Fraud in Jacksonville

October 25, 2019 | Ennis Davis, AICP

Do you really know your next door neighbor? Over the last century, Jacksonville has been the home of several interesting characters and residents who operated on the other side of...

Before & After: South Beach

October 23, 2019 | Ennis Davis, AICP

Before and after images in and around South Beach that illustrate the incremental transformation of Florida's most popular urban destination.

10 Closed Florida Malls You Once Shopped At

October 11, 2019 | Ennis Davis, AICP

During the 20 years following the creation of the country's first enclosed regional mall in 1956, so many were built in Florida that they started to cannibalize each other. Here's...

Exposing Jacksonville's Gullah Geechee Heritage

October 2, 2019 | Ennis Davis, AICP

Historically associated with the Lowcountry region that stretches from Wilmington, North Carolina to St. Augustine, Florida, the Gullah Geechee are descendants of Central and West African ancestors who arrived in...

Abandoned Florida: The W.P. Sumner Company

September 25, 2019 | David Bulit

A look inside an abandoned building with 109 years of interesting historical stories to share.

Abandoned Florida: Riverside Motel & St.Mary’s Liquors

August 27, 2019 | Bullet of Abandoned Florida

Abandoned Florida takes a look inside of Nassau County's long forgotten Riverside Motel and St. Mary's Liquors.

Segregated Duval: The Black Public Schools of 1955-56

July 30, 2019 | Ennis Davis, AICP

A snapshot in time. Here is a look at the then segregated, Duval County Public School system's educational facilities for African-American students during the 1955-56 school year.

Jacksonville's Ghost Town: Yukon

July 26, 2019 | Ennis Davis, AICP

Presently the site of Tillie K. Fowler Regional Park, this land was once home to a vibrant community called Yukon.

Abandoned Florida: Jax's Federal Reserve Bank

July 12, 2019 | Bullet of Abandoned Florida

Abandoned Florida takes a look inside Downtown Jacksonville's long vacant Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, Jacksonville Branch.

Heckscher Drive: The Jacksonville You Forgot

July 8, 2019 | Ennis Davis, AICP

Sandwiched between the tidal saltwater marshes of the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve and the St. Johns River, Heckscher Drive is not only one of the most scenic thoroughfares in...

Florida's Forgotten Original Regional Breweries

June 21, 2019 | Ennis Davis, AICP

A 'regional brewery' is one that distributes to particular regions on a smaller basis than the nationwide breweries many of us are familiar with today. Though the Florida Beer Company...

Forgotten Places: Florida Baptist Convention Building

June 18, 2019 | Ennis Davis, AICP

A behind-the-scenes look into the history and decay of the last downtown Jacksonville office building designed by early 20th century architectural mastermind H.J. Klutho.

Exposing the Real Story of Slavery: Whitney Plantation

June 12, 2019 | Ennis Davis, AICP

Located 46 miles west of New Orleans, Whitney Plantation is a museum and historic district that is devoted to sharing the un-sugarcoated story of slavery.

Exploring Historic Kingsley Plantation

June 4, 2019 | Ennis Davis, AICP

Maintained by the National Park Service, Kingsley Plantation is the home of Florida's oldest surviving plantation house and related to one of the Antebellum South's most surprising historical civil rights...

Inside's Miami's Historic Lincoln Memorial Park

May 14, 2019 | Ennis Davis, AICP

A walk through one of Florida's most prestigious early 20th century African-American cemeteries: Miami's Lincoln Memorial Park

The Line: Jacksonville's Notorious Red Light District

April 15, 2019 | Ennis Davis, AICP

The rise and fall of Florida's largest early 20th century red light district: The Line.

Ten Asa Philip Randolph Sites In Jacksonville

March 25, 2019 | Ennis Davis, AICP

Sometimes we overlook the influence and role many former residents have played in shaping the society we live in today. Raised in Jacksonville's Eastside, A. Philip Randolph (1889-1979) left town...

The Story of Convict Leasing in Florida

March 22, 2019 | Aubrey Brown

A brief article highlighting the general history of convict leasing in the development of Florida.

Jacksonville's Remarkable Women: Cora & Zora

March 4, 2019 | Adrienne Burke, AICP, Esq.

A tale of two Jacksonville women...Cora Crane and Zora Neale Hurston. These two remarkable women paint a picture of not only different lives in Jacksonville history, but unique and fascinating...

Urban Jacksonville in 1928

December 28, 2018 | Ennis Davis, AICP

Rarely seen imagery taken between 1928 and 1929, of Jacksonville's neighborhoods by George W. Simons Jr.

Sights and Scenes: Downtown Pittsburgh

October 30, 2018 | Ennis Davis, AICP

Modern Cities shares the sites and scenes from what may be one of the country's most underrated and overlooked urban environments: Downtown Pittsburgh

Saving History: Nashville's Conservation Districts

September 27, 2018 | Ennis Davis

Black history is ineradicable to our cities history, just as it is imperative to a comprehension of our nation’s evolution. Traditionally, black cultural resources in have been among the most...

The Deep South's original big city: Charleston

August 10, 2018 | Ennis Davis

Modern Cities takes a look at a city that has built an economy out of the preservation of history.

Abandoned Florida: Palatka's Selden Cypress

July 30, 2018 | Ennis Davis

A look into the industrial ruins and remains of a 19th century cypress lumber mill.

America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places

July 24, 2018 | Ennis Davis

The National Trust for Historic Preservation recently unveiled its 31st Annual List of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places. Schools in East Los Angeles, Denver’s Larimer Square, Historic Resources in...

The final days of an abandoned Clay County estate

July 3, 2018 | Ennis Davis

Bullet of Abandoned Florida provides us with a rare look inside of an abandoned Green Cove Springs estate.

Florida Trust Announces 2018 11 to Save List

June 1, 2018 | Ennis Davis

The Florida Trust for Historic Preservation recently announced the 2018 Florida’s 11 to Save, a list of the most threatened historic properties in the state. This year’s list represents endangered...

Move over Tampa, Jax is Florida's forgotten Cigar City

April 25, 2018 | Ennis Davis

Modern Cities takes a look at a forgotten part of cigar making history in Florida.

Redlining our core neighborhoods to ruin

April 11, 2018 | Ennis Davis

If you believe sprawl just magically happened, here's something that visually suggests otherwise. Thanks to researchers at the University of Richmond, Mapping Inequality offers unprecedented online access to the national...

Overlooked Urbanism: Los Angeles' Historic Urban Core

March 26, 2018 | Ennis Davis

Home to the first four-level freeway interchange in America, Los Angeles is a city that has become an international poster child for everything concerning urban sprawl. However, to equate the...

Five Early Jacksonville African American Architects

February 4, 2018 | Ennis Davis

Despite being a major center for black commerce and culture during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, not much is known about Jacksonville's significant African-American history, heritage and culture....

Changing Jacksonville: Then and Now

January 25, 2018 | Ennis Davis

An interesting comparison of 1943 and current aerials illustrating the impact of expressways penetrating through various Jacksonville neighborhoods and districts.

8 defunct grocery chains you remember

December 10, 2017 | Ennis Davis

Before chains like Walmart, Publix, Winn-Dixie and Whole Foods dominated the grocery business, these names once anchored shopping centers and street corners throughout our cities.

The remains of Jax's ragtime, blues and jazz age

December 4, 2017 | Ennis Davis

Modern Cities takes a look at the remains of the South's most overlooked substantial African-American entertainment district during the formative years of ragtime, blues and jazz in the early 20th...

87 years of Publix

November 27, 2017 | Ennis Davis

A look at the architectural evolution of one of the largest grocery chains in the United States.

Abandoned & Forgotten: Moncrief Road Cemeteries

October 22, 2017 | Ennis Davis

Closing in on 900,000 residents, Jacksonville is a bustling Sunbelt city with a bright future. However, a visit to its Moncrief Road cemetery district suggests it is a community that...

The Lost Story of Regional Breweries in Florida

October 12, 2017 | Ennis Davis

A 'regional brewery' can be described as one that distributes to particular regions on a smaller basis than the nationwide breweries many of us are familiar with today. According to...

What Is Blight?

October 10, 2017 | Mike Field

What makes one building worth saving and another worth destroying? Strong Towns' Rachel Quednau explores the line between destruction and preservation.

The Barnett gearing up to come back to life

September 21, 2017 | Ennis Davis

On Thursday, September 21st, Jacksonville's Downtown Development Review Board (DDRB) granted conceptual and final design approval for the long awaited mixed-use project known as The Barnett. Here's a brief look...

From 19th Century Boarding House to 21st Century Bistro

September 18, 2017 | Ennis Davis

Passionate about the preservation of historic structures to renew our downtowns without reshaping their skylines, Christopher Levy shares the story behind the transformation of a 19th century Birmingham boarding house...

Abandoned Florida: The Dixie Walesbilt Hotel

August 28, 2017 | Ennis Davis

Situated in the heart of Central Florida, the City of Lake Wales is a place known for a variety of things. From the Legend of Spook Hill and Bok Tower...

Autopsy of Architecture: 100 North Main

August 22, 2017 | Ennis Davis

Bullet of Autopsy of Architecture provides us with a look inside one of the South's tallest abandoned buildings: 100 North Main in Downtown Memphis

Gainesville: the quintessential urbanizing college town

August 13, 2017 | Ennis Davis

Home to the University of Florida, with an estimated 2016 population of 131,591, Gainesville is the largest city in North Central Florida and one rapidly redeveloping into a walkable community....

Abandoned Brooklyn: Mt. Calvary Baptist Church

July 16, 2017 | Ennis Davis

Abandoned in 1999, Mt. Calvary Baptist Church is one of the largest buildings still standing in Brooklyn, that date back to the Jacksonville neighborhood's days before demolition and gentrification. Tim...

Inside the National Museum of African American History

June 5, 2017 | Ennis Davis

Modern Cities' Ennis Davis, AICP shares sights and scenes from the inside of Washington, DC's National Museum of African American History & Culture.

Autopsy of Architecture: Birmingham's Sloss Furnaces

May 11, 2017 | Ennis Davis

Bullet of Autopsy of Architecture takes us on a tour inside of what's said to be one of the country's most haunted sites: Birmingham's Sloss Furnaces

A look inside Jacksonville's historic Laura Street Trio

April 30, 2017 | Ennis Davis

A property containing a few of Florida's oldest abanonded skyscrapers is on its way to finally being brought back to life. With this in mind, Bullet of Abandoned Florida takes...

The rise and fall of a streetcar suburb: Lackawanna

April 11, 2017 | Ennis Davis

The rise and fall of an overlooked historic Jacksonville streetcar suburb: Lackawanna.

The Rise and Fall of an African American Inner City

March 31, 2017 | Mike Field

The Case of Parramore, an African American community in Orlando that has been almost erased from history.

The Ghosts of Green Cove Springs

March 7, 2017 | Ennis Davis

What do treasure hunting trips, hovercrafts, ferries, space exploration, and vintage rail cars have to do with one another? All are forgotten relics that combine to make up the afterlife...

Lost Brooklyn: The Buffalo Soldier’s House

February 21, 2017 | Ennis Davis

This article by Dr. Tim Gilmore of jaxpsychogeo.com examines the history of one of the last surviving American Civil War era structures in urban Jacksonville.

Lost history: Saving what's left of Sugar Hill

February 7, 2017 | Ennis Davis

In honor of Black History Month, here's rare images and the story of Jacksonville's Sugar Hill neighborhood. Prior to largely being destroyed by desegregation, highway construction, medical center expansion, and...

Abandoned Florida: Balbin Brothers Cigar Factory

February 6, 2017 | Ennis Davis

Bullet of Abandoned Florida provides us with a rare look inside an early 20th century cigar factory: West Tampa's Balbin Brother's Cigar Factory

Abandoned America: The Thomas Jefferson Hotel

January 26, 2017 | Ennis Davis

Bullet of Abandoned Florida provides us with a rare look inside one of downtown Birmingham's most majestic historic abandoned buildings: The Thomas Jefferson Hotel

Abandoned Florida: The Claude Nolan Cadillac Building

January 1, 2017 | Ennis Davis

Bullet of Abandoned Florida provides us with a rare look inside one of Florida's first automobile dealerships: The Claude Nolan Cadillac Building

Inside Philadelphia's famed Eastern State Penitentiary

December 25, 2016 | Ennis Davis

7 buildings that don't look as good as they once did

November 29, 2016 | Ennis Davis

Be careful the next time you curse a building as a bad piece of architecture. Sometimes looks aren't always what they seem. Here's seven downtown Jacksonville buildings that have been...

Redlining our urban neighborhoods & real estate to ruin

November 15, 2016 | Ennis Davis

If you believe sprawl just magically happened, here's something that visually suggests otherwise. Thanks to researchers at the University of Richmond, Mapping Inequality offers unprecedented online access to the national...

Changing Tallahassee: Then and Now

October 17, 2016 | Ennis Davis

An interesting comparison of 1949 and 2016 aerials illustrating the impact of time and change on the shape of Florida's capital city: Tallahassee.

Changing Tampa: Then and Now

October 2, 2016 | Ennis Davis

An interesting comparison of 1938 and 2016 aerials illustrating the impact of time and the construction of expressways through various sections of Tampa.

Changing Miami: Then and Now

September 26, 2016 | Ennis Davis

An interesting comparison of 1952 and 2016 aerials illustrating the impact of expressways penetrating through various Miami neighborhoods and districts.

Changing Orlando: Then and Now

September 21, 2016 | Ennis Davis

An interesting comparison of 1947 and 2016 aerials illustrating the impact of expressways penetrating through various Orlando neighborhoods and districts.

Barnett: The rise and fall of Florida's largest bank

September 14, 2016 | Ennis Davis

Once housing an institution that enhanced the lives of tens of thousands of citizens over a century, the abandoned Barnett Bank Building still stands two blocks from William Boyd Barnett’s...

Infographic: The History of Black Friday

September 8, 2016 | Ennis Davis

Have you ever wondered where the day of insane deals, long lines, and 4am door busters began? BlackFriday.fm, a shopping resource has put together an infographic displaying the history of...

San Francisco: 24 then and now snapshots in time

August 18, 2016 | Ennis Davis

24 then and now images from the core of one of America's greatest cities: San Francisco.

Discovering the downtown Tampa you didn't know

August 16, 2016 | Ennis Davis

In preparation of APA Florida's 2016 Annual Conference and in honor of the good work being achieved by URBN Tampa Bay (United Residents for Better Neighborhoods), here's a look at...

Macon: A Sunbelt City Preserved In Place

August 2, 2016 | Ennis Davis

The Sun Belt has seen substantial population growth since the 1960s from an influx of people seeking a warm and sunny climate, a surge in retiring baby boomers, and growing...

A Trip Inside Atlanta's Ponce City Market

July 19, 2016 | Ennis Davis

Ponce City Market is a mixed-use development located a few miles east of downtown Atlanta along the BeltLine. Covering over 1 million square feet, it suggests that no underutilized building...

Orlando: Then and Now

March 10, 2016 | Ennis Davis

Orlando wants to have a 'big city' downtown and it's well on its way. Over the last decade, the skyline has doubled in size and the number of downtown residents...

Columbia: Then & Now

March 10, 2016 | Ennis Davis

Known as The Capital of Southern Hospitality, Columbia is the largest city in the U.S. state of South Carolina. Approved as the new state capital on March 22, 1786, the...

History Coming To Life In Cincinnati

March 9, 2016 | Mike Field

Look Here! is a compelling history exhibition transforming the public realm into a temporary museum using historic photographs of Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine neighborhood.