Soldiers of the American Revolution Associated with Jacksonvilles History
Historical marker location:1765: The Stamp Act is passed by the British Parliament, imposing a tax on American colonists for various printed materials. This sparks widespread protests and resistance among the colonists.
1770: The Boston Massacre occurs when British soldiers fire on a crowd of American colonists in Boston, resulting in the death of five colonists. The event further escalates tensions between the colonists and British authorities.
1773: The Boston Tea Party takes place as colonists, disguised as Native Americans, dump tea from British East India Company ships into Boston Harbor in protest against the Tea Act.
1774: The First Continental Congress convenes in Philadelphia. Delegates from twelve of the thirteen colonies gather to discuss grievances against British policies and plan a united response.
1775: The Battles of Lexington and Concord mark the beginning of armed conflict between British troops and American colonial militia. The "shot heard 'round the world" ignites the Revolutionary War.
1776: On July 4, the Second Continental Congress adopts the Declaration of Independence, drafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson. The document asserts the colonies' independence from Britain and outlines the principles of individual rights and self-government.
1777: The American victory at the Battle of Saratoga in New York proves to be a turning point in the war. It convinces the French to openly support the American cause and enter the war as allies.
1778: The Treaty of Alliance is signed between the United States and France, formalizing their military alliance. France provides crucial support to the American forces, including troops, naval assistance, and financial aid.
1781: The Siege of Yorktown takes place in Virginia, where combined American and French forces, led by General George Washington and French General Rochambeau, successfully trap British General Cornwallis and his troops. Cornwallis surrenders on October 19, effectively ending major hostilities in the Revolutionary War.
1783: The Treaty of Paris is signed, formally ending the American Revolutionary War. Great Britain recognizes the independence of the United States and establishes its boundaries. The treaty also grants fishing rights to American fishermen in the waters off Newfoundland and Nova Scotia.
1787: The Constitutional Convention convenes in Philadelphia to draft a new constitution to replace the Articles of Confederation, which proved ineffective in governing the newly independent nation.
1788: The United States Constitution is ratified by the required number of states and goes into effect. It establishes a strong federal government with separate branches and a system of checks and balances.
1789: George Washington is inaugurated as the first President of the United States, and the new federal government is established in New York City.
This timeline provides a general overview of the major events during the American Revolution, but it is important to note that there were numerous other battles, diplomatic negotiations, and developments that occurred during this period.
The Seminole Wars, a series of conflicts between the United States government and the Seminole Tribe of Florida, lasted for over 40 years from 1817 to 1858. The wars were some of the longest and most expensive conflicts in American history.
During the 18th century, control of the area shifted between the Spanish and British several times due to conflicts such as the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. After the United States gained independence, Florida became a U.S. territory in 1821, and Duval County was created in 1822. The county was named in honor of William Pope Duval, the first territorial governor of Florida.
In the 19th century, Duval County experienced significant growth with the establishment of Jacksonville as its county seat. The city grew into an important port and commercial center due to its advantageous location along the St. Johns River and its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. It became a hub for transportation and trade, attracting steamboat companies, railroads, and later, the Navy during the Civil War.
The 20th century brought continued development and change to Duval County. Jacksonville experienced both prosperity and challenges, including the devastating Great Fire of 1901, which destroyed much of the city's downtown area. In the following decades, the county underwent urbanization, population growth, and the expansion of industries such as tourism, finance, and manufacturing. Today, Duval County remains a vibrant and diverse region, blending its historical significance with modern advancements and opportunities.
Duval County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Duval County, Florida.
- 1822 - Duval County is created as one of the original counties of Florida.
- 1824 - Jacksonville is established as the county seat.
- 1862 - During the American Civil War, Jacksonville is occupied by Union forces.
- 1888 - The Great Fire of 1888 destroys much of Jacksonville.
- 1901 - Another devastating fire hits Jacksonville, leading to significant urban redevelopment.
- 1968 - Consolidation occurs, merging the city of Jacksonville with Duval County.
- 1991 - The Jacksonville Jaguars are granted an NFL franchise.
- 2005 - Hurricane Katrina causes significant damage in Duval County.
- 2014 - The One Spark festival, a crowdfunding event for innovators, is first held in Jacksonville.