Bayard (Jacksonville) facts for kids
Bayard is a historic area in Jacksonville, Florida, located in Duval County. It was first planned in 1884. For many years, especially in the early 1900s, Bayard was a busy stop for travelers and businesses. Today, the City of Jacksonville is working on a plan called "The Bayard Community Plan." This plan aims to keep Bayard's special character as Jacksonville grows closer to it.
A Look Back at Bayard's History
Bayard was designed in 1884 to be a halfway point between Jacksonville and St. Augustine. This area quickly became very active. It was easy to reach by railroad and waterways. Plus, it was close to sawmills and places that made turpentine. This made Bayard a handy stop for moving goods. Tourists also used it as a rest stop, even after U.S. Route 1 was finished in 1934.
The reason for Bayard's name is not fully clear. The City of Jacksonville says it was named after Thomas F. Bayard. The Federal Writers' Project, in 1939, agreed with this. They said Henry Flagler, who built the Florida East Coast Railway, gave it the name. However, local people say the community is named after Bayard Clinch. He was the son of Duncan Lamont Clinch. This idea has been around since at least 1939.
Bayard's early businesses showed it was a popular stopping point. There were gift shops, restaurants, and places for travelers to stay. One important old building was The Bayard Inn. It opened in 1899. Juliet Wing, a soldier's widow, ran it as The Wing Hotel. It was both a general store and a hotel. The Inn did well until it closed in 1947. After that, it became a mix of homes and businesses, with a post office on the first floor.
In 2001, there was a plan to make the building, then called the Bayard Country Store, a historical landmark. But the owner wanted to sell it and did not agree. The building was torn down in 2005. However, other important old buildings still stand. This includes the public school that was once used by Black children.
The Bayard Community Plan
Over time, fewer businesses used Bayard. Also, Jacksonville started expanding towards Bayard. So, the City of Jacksonville worked with the Bayard community. Together, they created "The Bayard Community Plan." This plan aims to keep the special feel of the original community. It also allows for new growth. As of January 2009, the plan was being reviewed. It was first suggested in April 2007, with rules for smart development added in September 2007.
