As of October 26, 2023, Jacksonville, Florida, has been a city for 191 years and 259 days. This calculation is based on its formal incorporation date, which marks its official establishment as a municipality.
Understanding Jacksonville's Key Dates
While Jacksonville was founded as a settlement earlier, its status as a "city" is generally attributed to its incorporation. It was later subject to a significant consolidation, which merged its city and county governments.
Here's a breakdown of Jacksonville's foundational historical milestones:
| Event | Date | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | June 15, 1822 | Initial establishment of the settlement |
| Incorporated | February 9, 1832 | Formal legal establishment as a city |
| Consolidated | October 1, 1968 | Merger of city and Duval County governments |
A Brief History of Jacksonville's Development
The area that would become Jacksonville was initially settled along the St. Johns River. It was formally founded as a town in 1822. Ten years later, on February 9, 1832, it achieved city status through incorporation. This legal step provided the framework for the city's governance and growth. The city was named in honor of Andrew Jackson, who served as the first military governor of the Florida Territory and later became the seventh U.S. President.
A pivotal moment in Jacksonville's modern history occurred on October 1, 1968, when the city underwent a significant consolidation. This action merged the city government with that of Duval County, creating a unified government and making Jacksonville the largest city by area in the contiguous United States at the time.
