Jacksonville Architecture

The State Board of Health was established in 1889, as a result of the tragic Yellow Fever Epidemic that struck Jacksonville the previous year. It was not until 1911 that the Board erected its permanent headquarters on this site. The land, then known as Raspberry Park and formerly used for a city jail, was deeded by the City of Jacksonville to the State as an inducement for the Board of Health to locate here. Constructed at a cost of $35,000, the building typifies the Neo-Classical Revival style, which was commonly used for government buildings of the era. The entrance is clearly delineated by a colossal portico highlighted by massive fluted columns that rest on brick pedestals. Unusual stylized capitals accent the columns, and a long cascade of stairs leads to the elevated main entrance.