Jacksonville's Cowford name starts at the river crossing

Before Jacksonville took its current name, the St. Johns River crossing known as Cowford helped explain why the settlement formed where it did.

History and culture Jacksonville

Jacksonville was not always Jacksonville. Before the city name, there was Cowford.

The older name came from the St. Johns River crossing. Cattle could ford the river at a narrow place, so the spot became a practical landmark. Later, in 1822, settlers laid out a town on the north bank and renamed it Jacksonville for Andrew Jackson.

That little name change helps the city feel more grounded. Jacksonville is now big, spread out, and full of bridges, port work, highways, neighborhoods, beaches, and military ties. Cowford pulls the story back to one simple reason people noticed the place: the river could be crossed there.

It also explains why the St. Johns River is not just scenery downtown. The river is the old organizing line. Trade, travel, defense, ferries, bridges, and neighborhoods all grew around it.

If you are looking at Jacksonville history, start near the river. Check current riverwalk access, downtown events, museum hours, and parking before you go. Then keep the old name in mind. Cowford is plain, but it tells you where to look.

Where to see it

Downtown Jacksonville and the St. Johns River crossings. Check current riverwalk, ferry, museum, and downtown event details before planning a history walk.