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= LaVilla = LaVilla is an African American originating suburb in Jacksonville which founding dates back to Spanish colonialism in Florida. Jacksonville bought the city of LaVilla in 1887 changing the scope of the neighborhood. However, LaVilla would still continue as a beacon of African American culture after it was bought by the city.

Summary
LaVilla's borders are disputed however its general location is in the northwest corner of Jacksonvilles downtown.Most sources have LaVilla situated in between I-95 and Broad Street and also in between Union Street and Brooklyn District. Also adjacent to the suburb of LaVilla is the suburb of Durkeeville, another historic African American originating suburb of the city of Jacksonville.

The suburb sits on a total of .334 square miles with a total population of 14,567 (2018).

History
LaVilla exact origin date is unknown, however the area began as a Spanish land grant. The village started as plantation owners congregated in the area starting a small community. The village was soon then named after the most popular plantation in the area, LaVilla. The area attracted many African Americans, both freed,escaped, and enslaved, as well as whites. Before the civil war the village was growing steadily into a city. However in 1861 the civil war started and from then on the aspect of the city would change.

After the civil war, LaVilla started to boom. As spaces were freed many started to move towards city’s. LaVillas location towards Jacksonville increased the success of the city. African Americans moved towards the area for the opportunity in the city while also being able to main their own cultural identity within the city of LaVilla due to its large African American influence.Due to its location, freedmen became the majority population in the area.

With the African American community in the majority in the area, the came to control many aspects of the city. Most of the political offices were controlled by African Americans except for a few which were controlled by whites. Socially and culturally, African Americans were able to come together to preserve their own culture within the community.

Then in 1887, the community would face a new challenge. The City of Jacksonville would then purchase the City of LaVilla as its first suburb. Due to the buyout, many African Americans lost their influence on the political aspects of the city. Many feared the loss of the city would end in the loss of the community. However, the community would strengthen itself and preserve the culture through the socia aspects of the community.

Another challenge would soon face the African American community as segregation gained movement in the 20th century. African Americans were forced more into the suburb and the surrounding area leading to and increased population in the area as well. This led to increased cultural influence from the area which would separate it from the rest of the south and allow for a cultural boom which would lead to LaVilla becoming known as the “Harlem of the South”.

The Richmond Hotel
Opened in 1909, the Richmond hotel room was one of the finest hotels for African American celebrities and rich people. It hosted many of musicians and actors who made there mark on the African American culture within the United States.

Today the Richmond Hotel is a historical landmark in the city of LaVilla, but is no longer in operation due to desegregation. The hotel is now bought out by a photography company who occupies the first floor.

Excelsior Hall
Opened in 1898 by Patrick Chapelle, the Excelsior Hall was the first black-owned theatre in the South.

Colored Airdome
The colored airdome was one of the first colored music stages in Jacksonville. It would routinely draw standing-room-only crowds. It was one of the first African American cultural influences from LaVilla and put it on the map for African American culture in the South. One of the first accounts of blues was recorded on the stage in the airdrome.

Present
Today, many historical landmarks of African American culture have been torn down for space or were not repaired. Many are no longer used or no longer existing. Currently, the those interested in the restoration of LaVilla’s cultural sites are petitioning for funding to repair and preserve LaVilla’s history of advancement for African Americans.

Joseph Haygood Blodget
Joseph Haygood Blodget was a successful businessman in LaVilla and was the architect for many of LaVillas structures. He constructed buildings such as the Lawton-Pratt Funeral Home.