Urban Core in Jacksonville in Duval County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

The Beginning

Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2012

1. The Beginning Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Here at the foot of Market St. stood a bay tree which served as the starting point for the original survey of Jacksonville in June 1822. Market was the first street laid off and named. A total of 20 squares were platted, bounded by Ocean, Duval, Catherine and Bay Sts. One of the first lots sold for $12 and was in the center of the present courthouse block.

Erected 1967 by Jacksonville Historical Society, Florida Historical Society, and Florida Board of Parks and Historic Memorials. (Marker Number F-149.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1822.

Location. 30° 19.52′ N, 81° 39.273′ W. Marker is in Jacksonville, Florida, in Duval County. It is in Urban Core. Marker is on S Market Street near E Bay Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Jacksonville FL 32202, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Duval County Vietnam Memorial and Veterans Eternal Flame (within shouting distance of this marker); Duval County (about 300 feet away, measured

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in a direct line); Duval County's First Court (about 500 feet away); Site of Cow Ford (about 500 feet away); The Plaza Building (about 600 feet away); "The Great Endurance Run" (approx. 0.2 miles away); Old Jacksonville Free Public Library (approx. 0.2 miles away); Seminole War Blockhouse Site (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Jacksonville.

Additional commentary.
1. Jacksonville named for Jackson Smith
That marker is a great piece of history. That land was owned by Jackson Smith, who was a blacksmith and the first postmaster of the town, previously known as Gum Creek. The survey was commissioned by Dr. William Jackson. Jacksonville was named for Jackson Smith, whose land was surveyed.

— Submitted August 15, 2023, by Terry Shaw of Fort Myers, Florida.

The Beginning Marker at S. Market Street near E. Bay Street image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, July 15, 2012

2. The Beginning Marker at S. Market Street near E. Bay Street

The Beginning Marker near E. Bay Street, under present day tree image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, July 15, 2012

3. The Beginning Marker near E. Bay Street, under present day tree

The Beginning Marker on South Market Street image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, July 15, 2012

4. The Beginning Marker on South Market Street

Credits. This page was last revised on August 20, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 1, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 668 times since then and 74 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 1, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 5, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.