Jacksonville is the most populous and largest city in Florida. During the American Civil War, Union forces occupied it four times. Following the civil war and during the reconstruction period, the city became the major winter resort. The 20th Century in Jacksonville began with catastrophe when the Great Fire of 1901 destroyed the business district and rendered 10,000 residents homeless in eight hours. Despite the widespread damage, only seven deaths were reported in the city, and the restoration started immediately. The 1920s brought significant real estate development, and the tourism industry boomed. In 1940, a navy base was constructed in the city. This base was a vital training center during World War II, with over 20,000 pilots and aircrewmen being trained there.

Today Jacksonville is an important port city and function as the state’s foremost transportation and commercial center. Health care, insurance, and banking sectors are the dominant factor in Jacksonville’s economy. Here below, we have compiled a list of stunning photos of old Jacksonville from the early 20th century that show streets, cityscapes, and everyday life.