Jacksonville History : The community of Jacksonville was established in 1847. At that time, it was known as Gum Creek. Jackson Smith and Dr. William Jackson were the early settlers of the area. Later, in 1850, the city was renamed Jacksonville in honor of Jackson Smith and Dr. William Jackson.

    Lake Jacksonville : is located three miles southwest of Jacksonville. It is the city's primary water source. It was created in 1957 and the city expected it to take years to fill with water from the surrounding creeks. But, with an unusually rainy season, the lake reached full capacity in only a year. Lake Jacksonville offers facilities for boating and fishing.

  Things to do Jacksonville : In Jacksonville you can visit Summers A. Norman Aquatic Center, Lake Jacksonville Park, Nichols Green Park, and Buckner Park. The Vanishing Texana Museum, Depot Museum and Children's Discovery Center, Goodman Museum, and Tyler Museum of Art are also worth visiting. Visitors can also plan a day trip to Davey Dogwood Park which has beautiful rolling hills, flowing streams, and forests.