Jacksonville, located in northeastern Florida along the St. Johns River, spans all of Duval County and covers over 840 square miles—an area larger than the state of Rhode Island. Its strategic position near the Atlantic Ocean has established it as a key center for shipping, transportation, and military operations. Founded in 1822 and named after Andrew Jackson, the city played an important role in Florida’s early development, eventually becoming a major port and military center during World War II.

The city’s economy is driven by logistics, military presence, and transportation. JAXPORT, one of the busiest ports in the southeastern United States, handles millions of tons of cargo annually, further cementing Jacksonville as a logistical hub. Major employers include CSX Transportation, which operates one of the largest rail networks in the country, and Naval Station Mayport and Naval Air Station Jacksonville, both integral to national defense and the city’s economy. The city also serves as a distribution center for goods, with major interstates like I-95 and I-10 converging there.

​Cultural institutions in Jacksonville include the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens and the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. The city hosts the annual Jacksonville Jazz Festival, one of the largest jazz festivals in the country. Jacksonville is also home to the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars, who play at EverBank Stadium, and hosts the Florida-Georgia football rivalry, known as the “World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party.”

​Jacksonville’s park system is one of the largest in the U.S., with over 80,000 acres of public green space. The Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve spans 46,000 acres of wetlands and forests, while Little Talbot Island State Park offers over five miles of pristine beaches. Additionally, the Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens includes over 120 acres of trails and diverse plant life, highlighting the region's biodiversity.