City of Jacksonville

About Us

Nestled in the foothills of northeast Alabama, twelve miles north of Anniston on Highway 21, Jacksonville is a town steeped in history. The land that would become Jacksonville was purchased in 1833 from the Creek Indian Chief Ladiga. Because Ladiga was a signer of the Cusseta Treaty of 1832 under which terms the Creeks gave up their remaining lands, he was allowed to select land in the county and to have his title validated.

Life here has long centered around education, beginning on April 16, 1834 when the town reserved a one-acre square for a schoolhouse. In 1836 the Jacksonville Academy was incorporated and 1837 saw the establishment of the Jacksonville Female Academy. In 1883 the Academy was recognized as a State Normal School and through the years, became Jacksonville State Teachers College before attaining full university status in 1966.

As it was in the past, much of what is good about Jacksonville begins on the Public Square. From JSU pep rallies and city festivals to charming, locally-owned shops where visitors are always treated like lifelong residents. This downtown historic district and gathering place is at the heart of the City.

Newcomers will find that living in Jacksonville is not only economical, it is convenient as well. Jacksonville provides a full range of city services to include Advanced Life Support emergency medical services, fire and police, water, gas and sewer, and garbage and trash services including a voluntary recycling program. The City operates a new Community Center, Senior Center and a modern internet-accessible public library.