Originally a village green, it was the first and is the oldest park in the city. The area was established as a public square in 1857 by Isaiah Hart, founder of Jacksonville. For a century and a half, it has served and continues to serve as a central gathering space for Jacksonville citizens. It has survived disasters, been the host to several Presidents, and is now the monthly site of Jacksonville's Downtown Art Walk.
James Weldon Johnson Park (formerly Hemming Park) Celebrates 152nd Birthday
Jacksonville's most historic public space recently turned 152.