The Springfield Historic District is a neighborhood located north of downtown Jacksonville. It was established in 1869 and is the first of four federally designated historic districts in Jacksonville.
Springfield was the first neighborhood established outside of downtown Jacksonville and was the most desirable place to live in Jacksonville after the Great Fire of 1901 left much of downtown in ruins. Springfield still retains much of its historic character and contains some of the best examples of late 19th and early 20th century architecture that the city has to offer.
The Springfield Historic District is located north of downtown Jacksonville and east of I-95. The approximate boundaries of the Historic District are: 12th street to the North, 1st Street to the South, Boulevard to the West, and Ionia Street to the East. The Historic District is just under one square mile and contains approximately 1800 structures that are more than 75 years old. Springfield’s historic homes are built in a wide range of architectural styles. Some of the most notable styles are: Colonial Revival, Queen Anne, Victorian, Prairie School, Mediterranean and Bungalow.
Springfield, like so many other urban neighborhoods in the United States, fell into a period of decline in the mid 20th century. After years of neglect, Springfield started to make a turn for the better in the latter part of the 20th century. That momentum has carried forward into the 21st century. Many of Springfield’s “grand old ladies” (as Springfield’s historic homes are affectionately known) have recently been renovated.
