In 2005, Sufjan Stevens released Illinois, a concept album referencing various people and places associated with the state. Its fifth track, "Jacksonville," references various landmarks in the town, such as Nichols Park. It also contains a story about A. W. Jackson, a "colored preacher" urban legend supposes the town is named after, as well as President Andrew Jackson (President from 1829-1837) after whom the town's officials say it is actually named.1 Scholars claim that Jacksonville was created in 1825 as a compromise county seat to settle a three-town rivalry.

During the Spring there is the World of Nations Celebration with food, culture and traditions of the different nationalities of the world. The Bahamas, Barbados, France, Italy, Ivory Coast, and many others are among the nationalities. You can also take in the Augusta Savage Festival - Green Cove Springs is a cultural celebration of Augusta Savage's sculptures and it features arts, music, food and theatre. For even more culture there is the World Beat Music Fest and the Jacksonville Jazz Festival.

Summer in Jacksonville has the Fiesta Playera dia de San Juan Bautista, which celebrates the culture of Puerto Rico. The James Weldon Johnson Festival and the Juneteenth Celebration are times for food, music and dancing.

All during the year there are so many Cultural Exhibits for you to enjoy in Jacksonville. There are theatres, museums, art galleries, wonderful shopping, fantastic nightlife and whatever it is you like to do there is a place in Jacksonville for you. There are fabulous restaurants and eateries also. Whenever you are planning your visit the area you can be assured that you will be pleased with all there is to see and do. You will see why Jacksonville is a place that many live in and many more come to visit.