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.

Hotels in Northwest

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Where to stay in Northwest

Find the best Northwest areas for the activities you enjoy most.

Downtown Jacksonville

The picturesque St. Johns River meanders through the center of this hub of skyscrapers, cultural landmarks and exciting nightlife.

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Amelia City

While visiting Amelia City, you might make a stop by sights like American Beach and Fernandina Beach.

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Southside

If you're spending some time in Southside, St. Johns Town Center and Orange Park Place Shopping Center are top sights worth seeing.

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Sawgrass

Beaches and riverfront are just a few things travellers like about Sawgrass. A stop by Mickler Beach is also recommended if you've got time to explore the area.

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Palm Valley

If you're spending some time in Palm Valley, TPC Sawgrass and Cornerstone Park are top sights worth seeing.

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Top Northwest Hotel Reviews

Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa

10/10 Excellent

"Spotless, beautiful, and great staff."

Southbank Hotel by Marriott Jacksonville Riverwalk

10/10 Excellent

"My mom and I were very satisfied with our stay at this establishment. While it was an older hotel. It was in good condition and we felt very safe. The staff was especially nice and very helpful with any issues that we had which were very few. The breakfast was very good and Michelle our waitress was a very sweet, kind young lady. I would stay at this sweet time young again if I was in the area. "

Frequently asked questions

What is Northwest like?

You'll be sure to have fun exploring Jacksonville's Northwest neighbourhood. Are you looking for Northwest travel tips? Make sure that you visit Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens and Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail while you're in the neighbourhood.

What's a favourite hotel to stay in Northwest?

Based on Expedia customer reviews, Riverdale Inn is the highest ranked property in Northwest. This B&B offers free parking and a bar. Other favourite options in the area include Holiday Inn Express & Suites Jacksonville W - I295 and I10 by IHG and Tru by Hilton Jacksonville West I 295.

How many hotels will I find in Northwest?

Expedia has 208 hotels and other accommodation options in Northwest to choose from, making this an ideal home base for exploring the greater Jacksonville area.

If I need to cancel my hotel reservation in Northwest, will I receive a refund?

Yes! You'll find that most hotel room reservations are fully refundable if cancelled before the accommodation's cancellation deadline, which often is within 24-48 hours of the scheduled arrival. If you booked a non-refundable reservation, it may still be possible to cancel it and get a refund within 24 hours of booking. Enter your dates, click on "Search", then use the "fully refundable" filter to review top deals in Northwest.

What is there to do around this Jacksonville neighbourhood?

Looking for a little shopping break? A shopping trip to Gateway Shopping Center, Normandy Mall Shopping Center and 5 Points West Shopping Center might be just the ticket while you're in Northwest. As you're discovering the neighbourhood, Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens and Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail are some other places worth a visit. Places you might want to visit in the area around Northwest include Edgewood Park and Richardson Road Park. Make a stop at Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra and Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts while you're sightseeing around the area.

How can I get around Northwest and the greater Jacksonville area?

To venture out of town, take a train from Jacksonville Station.

Hotels in Northwest

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Our top choices for Northwest hotels

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Chaffee-Jacksonville West by IHG

Hampton Inn Jacksonville I-10 West

Fairfield Inn & Suites Jacksonville West/Chaffee Point

Tru by Hilton Jacksonville West I 295

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Jacksonville West, FL

Best Western Plus Jacksonville West

Sleep Inn & Suites Jacksonville West

Comfort Suites West Jacksonville

Riverdale Inn

Apm Inn and Suite

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Jacksonville W - I295 and I10 by IHG

Stayable Jacksonville West

Metro Inn & Suites

Jax Inn

Hampton Inn & Suites MacClenny I-10

Best Western Plus First Coast Inn & Suites

Extended Stay America Premier Suites - Jacksonville - Airport

Margaritaville Jacksonville Beach

Hampton Inn Jacksonville/Ponte Vedra Beach-Mayo Clinic Area

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Jacksonville Airport

Where to stay in Northwest

Downtown Jacksonville

Amelia City

Southside

Sawgrass

Palm Valley

Top Northwest Hotel Reviews

Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa

Frequently asked questions

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