Jacksonville was built on acreage purchased form the Creek Chief Ladiga, shortly after he had received the land under the terms of the Treaty of Cusseta of 1832. The treaty provided for the removal of the Creek Indians but set aside land for chiefs, heads of families and Indian orphans. Jacksonville became the first county seat of Benton County in 1833 and remained the seat until 1899 when records were moved to Anniston. The area progressed until its tranquility was broken by the Civil War. The greatest majority of its male citizens, including four generals and the “Gallant Pelham” from nearby Alexandria, fought for confederacy. Although remembered for its patriotic and cultural activities, Jacksonville is best known as an educational center. The present Jacksonville State University has a cultural heritage that began with the establishment of a male Academy in 1836. In 1869 a group of citizens raised money to create Calhoun College which became operational in 1871. In 1883 it progressed to the Jacksonville State Normal School. The school has continued to grow both in size and in importance and become, in time, Jacksonville State University.
For more information, visit www.jacksonville-al.org.