This page is under construction. We will add tours as they become available.
Historic Springfield, located one mile north of downtown Jacksonville, is one of the area's oldest neighborhoods. Whether you live in the city or you are just visiting, these tours are a great way to learn more about our history.
Walking Tours of Springfield are brought to you by Springfield Improvement Association and Archives volunteers and the residents of this community. Please comment, like, and share the tours. If you have suggestions for improvement, please contact us.
Architectural Styles in Historic Springfield This tour is under construction. This tour will take you through the heart of Historic Springfield. You will learn about the various architectural styles found in the neighborhood. Stop 1, Address Frame Vernacular (1880-1930) The common wood frame construction of self-taught builders. This type of architecture is the product of the builder’s experience, available resources, and responses to the local environment. Vernacular architecture predominates in Springfield. Stop 2, Address Craftsman (1910-1930) A common domestic building style in Springfield, bungalows are a form of the Craftsman style. Bungalows came in various shapes and forms, but small…
Walking Tour Template This template will be used for all of our walking tours. Please check it out on your computer and on your phones. If you have suggestions on how it could be better please provide us with feedback and we will consider incorporating your feedback. Have you already completed research on a property, want to get involved in this project, or do have an idea for a topic, email us with what topic you want to lead. Email us, or connect with us on Facebook or Twitter. Content Provided by: Neighbor John Stop 1, 204 W 3rd St…
Prairie-style Tour This tour is under construction… This tour is to showcase some of the best Prairie-style homes in our neighborhood. This style…. Content Provided by: Joshua Wilkerson and the Prairie School Traveler 904 North Main Street (City’s Engineering Building) This 1911 Prairie-style was originally the City Engineer’s Building. Though extensive research has been completed, the architect of this beauty still remains a mystery today. That is because, the professions of architects and engineers were not regulated regulated in Florida until 1915 and 1918 respectively, Thought there is no evidence exactly who designed the building there is information that the…
Historic Springfield Walking Tour [STARTING POINT] Henry J. Klutho Park 204 West 3rd Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206 Henry J. Klutho Park (formerly known as Springfield Park) is located in the Springfield Section of north Jacksonville. Most of the park and adjacent Boulevard were created along Hogans Creek between 1899 and 1901, on land donated by a developer, the Springfield Company. The City’s first zoo opened at the park in 1914, followed by the first municipal swimming pool in 1922. Founded in 1904, the Springfield Improvement Association & Archives (formally Woman’s Club) has steadfastly worked for the beautification of the park.…
Springfield’s Mobile Homes There are several homes located in our historic district that are located in a different place than were they were built. Take a stroll by these properties. Stop 1: 210 W 7th St The first building to be moved that is still standing is the Springfield Improvement Association and Archives Community Center. The Springfield Women’s Club contracted with Henry Kultho to move the building to its current location in the 30’s. It is reported Mr. Kultho’s crew rolled the historic church down 7th Street on wooden logs. The church was too large to be moved in one…
A Stroll On The West Side This tour focuses on the west side of the Springfield neighborhood. During the tour you will learn about homes that may have a haunted past, ones that were so magnificent they have been moved to save them, and some other amazing treats! Check out the links within the tour to where the information was acquired from to learn even more. These are private residences, and are owner occupied for the most part, please respect the homeowners privacy! Content/Research Provided by: Annie Howe, Chris Farley, Diane Graese, Jeff Gardner, Joshua Wilkerson, Kiley Secrest, and the…
Names You Recongize Today This tour is under construction. Content Provided by: Joshua Wilkerson 245 West 3rd Street (Drew Mansion) This Queen Anne with elements of Tudor and Spanish Colonial Revival styles was constructed in 1909 for Dr. Horace Drew, physician and grandson of Jacksonville pioneer, Columbus Drew. Take note to the homes half-timbered eaves that are clearly Tudor Revival, its hexagonal side porch and the opposing tower fit the asymmetry of Queen Anne, and its porch parapet, third-story tower arches, angular blocks, and clay roof tiles exemplify Floridian “Spanish Colonial” or Mediterranean Revival. The Drew family lived here thru the…