Edward Waters College

Edward Waters College was founded in 1866 by the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME) for the education of newly freed slaves. Located near downtown Jacksonville, Florida, the college currently sits on 23 acres and houses Centennial Hall (a nationally registered historic structure), the school’s oldest building which was constructed in 1916. A historically black college, Edward Waters College is currently a private, Christian, liberal arts college, is the oldest black college in Florida. It is a member of the United Negro College Fund. Edward Waters College initially opened its doors as Brown Theological Institute. The school was forced to close for most of the 1870s due to financial difficulties, but re-opened in 1883 with an extended educational program. It also adopted its current name which honors the third bishop of the AME church. The college was destroyed in Great (Jacksonville) Fire of 1901, the largest urban fire in southeast United States. Three years later in 1904 the AME church began rebuilding the college. For the majority of the College’s years of operation, the AME Church also raised money to clear the school’s debt and construct most of the buildings on the College’s campus.
Edward Waters College was founded in 1866 by the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME) for the education of newly freed slaves. Located near downtown Jacksonville, Florida, the college currently sits on 23 acres and houses Centennial Hall (a nationally registered historic structure), the school’s oldest building which was constructed in 1916. A historically black college, Edward Waters College is currently a private, Christian, liberal arts college, is the oldest black college in Florida. It is a member of the United Negro College Fund. Edward Waters College initially opened its doors as Brown Theological Institute. The school was forced to close for most of the 1870s due to financial difficulties, but re-opened in 1883 with an extended educational program. It also adopted its current name which honors the third bishop of the AME church. The college was destroyed in Great (Jacksonville) Fire of 1901, the largest urban fire in southeast United States. Three years later in 1904 the AME church began rebuilding the college. For the majority of the College’s years of operation, the AME Church also raised money to clear the school’s debt and construct most of the buildings on the College’s campus.

Popular places to visit

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Shands Jacksonville Medical Center

If Shands Jacksonville Medical Center is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Jacksonville.

Shands Jacksonville Medical Center
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Ritz Theatre & LaVilla Museum

You can spend an afternoon studying the exhibits at Ritz Theatre & LaVilla Museum during your travels in Jacksonville. Amble around this vibrant area's riverfront or experience its great live music.

Ritz Theatre & LaVilla Museum
Prime F. Osborn Convention Center which includes a fountain and heritage architecture

Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center

See exhibitions and join in community events at the former Union Station, a large train station which dates back to 1919.

Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center

Centennial Hall

You can spend an afternoon studying the exhibits at Centennial Hall during your travels in Jacksonville. Amble around this vibrant area's riverfront or experience its acclaimed theatre scene.

Centennial Hall

Jacksonville Farmers Market

During your trip to Jacksonville, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Jacksonville Farmers Market. Stroll along the riverfront in this family-friendly area or visit its top-notch restaurants.

Jacksonville Farmers Market

Edwin Stanton School

You can learn about the history of Jacksonville with a stop at Edwin Stanton School.

Edwin Stanton School

Top Edward Waters College Hotel Deals

Hyatt Regency Jacksonville

Hyatt Regency Jacksonville

4 out of 5
225 E Coastline Dr Jacksonville FL
Hyatt Regency Jacksonville
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Jacksonville Riverfront

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Jacksonville Riverfront

4 out of 5
1201 Riverplace Boulevard Jacksonville FL
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Jacksonville Riverfront
Southbank Hotel by Marriott Jacksonville Riverwalk

Southbank Hotel by Marriott Jacksonville Riverwalk

3.5 out of 5
1515 Prudential Dr Jacksonville FL
Southbank Hotel by Marriott Jacksonville Riverwalk
Marriott Jacksonville Downtown

Marriott Jacksonville Downtown

4 out of 5
245 Water St Jacksonville FL
Marriott Jacksonville Downtown
Downtown Studio w/ City Views in Jacksonville!

Downtown Studio w/ City Views in Jacksonville!

3 out of 5
Jacksonville FL
Downtown Studio w/ City Views in Jacksonville!
Historic Springfield Apartments by Landing

Historic Springfield Apartments by Landing

4 out of 5
1148 N Main St Jacksonville FL
Historic Springfield Apartments by Landing
Landing Jacksonville

Landing Jacksonville

4 out of 5
10263 Whispering Forest Dr Jacksonville FL
Landing Jacksonville
Extended Stay America Suites Jacksonville Riverwalk Conv Ctr

Extended Stay America Suites Jacksonville Riverwalk Conv Ctr

2.5 out of 5
1413 Prudential Dr Jacksonville FL
Extended Stay America Suites Jacksonville Riverwalk Conv Ctr
Riverdale Inn

Riverdale Inn

3 out of 5
1521 Riverside Avenue Jacksonville FL
Riverdale Inn
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