Hidden History of Jacksonville - Paperback

by Ron Whittington (Author)

Jacksonville and Northeast Florida may be famous for pristine beaches, championship golf, and the nation's oldest city, St. Augustine, but beneath the surface lies a rich and often overlooked history waiting to be rediscovered. Florida author Ron Whittington uncovers the forgotten stories, lost landmarks, and colorful characters who shaped the region from the Civil War to modern times. Dive beneath the St. Johns River to explore the wreckage of a sunken Union steamship. Discover how the mineral-rich waters of Doctors Lake once attracted the nation's wealthy elite seeking health and luxury. Meet the visionary developer who transformed the sandy marshes of Ponte Vedra into the world-famous Sawgrass resort and golf destination. And uncover Jacksonville's surprising role as a military and industrial powerhouse during World War II. Whittington brings to life the people and events that made Jacksonville a cultural crossroads and economic engine for the Southeast. From Gilded Age travelers to wartime heroes, this book reveals how Northeast Florida's past continues to shape its identity today. Whether you're a lifelong resident, newcomer, or history lover exploring the Sunshine State, this is an unforgettable journey through the stories time almost forgot.

Author Biography

Ron Whittington debuted his fiction career in 2010 with Second Strike, introducing businessman turned spy Parker Glynn, followed by Doppelgänged (2012), Free Surface Effect (2017), and In Disguise of the Storm (2024), all from Ingram Books. He's also written two Glynn short stories, "The Devil You Don't" and "Seized Desires." A former journalist for CNN Radio and the Dallas Business Journal, Whittington later worked in public relations and now lives in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. Visit www.ronwhittington.com.