Visually stunning and historically significant, the parks of San Marco link us to the past, present and future of our neighborhood. As part of its mission to continuously improve the quality of life of our neighborhood, The San Marco Preservation Society has played a key role in the enhancement and maintenance of many of our local parks.
When it comes to dining out in Jacksonville, there is no better destination than San Marco. The walkable neighborhood offers a variety of dining options for those who crave the best restaurants in the city. Whether you’re in the mood for a neighborhood bistro, a classic sandwich shop, family-style dining or a prix fixe tasting menu, there’s something for every appetite, every palate and every budget in San Marco.
Modeled after the Piazza San Marco in Venice, the San Marco Square offers a truly unique shopping experience that extends throughout the neighborhood. Enjoy fabulous views of the river and classic architecture as you browse the shops of the Square. With a variety of clothing, home goods and gift options, you can find everything you’re looking for in San Marco.
The area we know today as San Marco has a long and rich history, known by many names over many years. Starting as a 216-acre Spanish land grant in 1793, the land was transferred to the Craig and Hendricks families, passed down through generations, then sold into residential parcels after the Civil War. Retiring Florida Governor Harrison Reed bought a considerable eastern portion and platted it as South Jacksonville; the western remainder was platted by Elizabeth Hendricks and called Oklahoma; and just south of Oklahoma, the large Alexandria Estate was established by Governor Reed’s sister Martha and her husband, railroad tycoon Alexander Mitchell.
In 1901, at the time of the Great Jacksonville Fire, the Southbank was primarily a ferry landing and shipyard site. As fire ravaged the Northbank, the Southbank became a refuge for families. South Jacksonville was formed in 1907, and development began in earnest with the opening of the St. John’s River (Acosta) Bridge in 1921. Telfair Stockton bought 80 acres of land north of the Mitchell Estate for the new San Marco subdivision and business center. The street names and business district were inspired by the Piazza di San Marco in Venice, Italy.
San Marco was an immediate success. An additional subdivision, Villa Alexandria, was then platted on the overgrown estate in 1929. The first two homes in this development were built by Carl and John Swisher, who had just moved their King Edward Cigar Company from Chicago to Jacksonville.
In 1932, Greater Jacksonville absorbed the South Jacksonville municipality and development transformed the area into much of the community seen today.
-SAN MARCO PRESERVATION SOCIETY
