Jacksonville is not always the first city many people think of when they think of Florida, but it has as rich a history as all the others. The unique attractions in and around the city of Jacksonville make it a subject of pride to its residents, but here are 7 things you don't know about Jacksonville.

1. Though the cities of Orlando and Miami get more attention, Jacksonville is the largest city in the state of Florida.

2. Because it was located at a narrow spot where cows forded the St. John's river, Jacksonville was originally named "Cowford" when it was founded in 1791. It was renamed 31 years later after then military governor of the Florida Territory and future President of the USA, Andrew Jackson.

3. The tallest building in Jacksonville is the Bank of America tower which stands 617 feet tall.

4. In terms of land area, Jacksonville is the largest city in the contuous United States, and the fourth largest in the world.

5. Except for two years due to a new stadium being constructed, Jacksonville has been home to the Florida Gators/Georgia Bulldogs annual college football contest every year since 1933.

6. Famous natives of Jacksonville, Florida: Merian C. Cooper (writer/director of 1933 King Kong film), Ray Mercer (boxer), John Chaney (longtime basketball coach at Temple University), Fred Durst (founder of the band Limp Bizkit), Pat Boone (singer), "Bullet" Bob Hayes (Olympic/Football athlete), Norman Thagard (astronaut), Ronnie Van Zant (founder of the Lynyrd Skynyrd band), Sable (professional wrestler), and David Duval (pro golfer).

7. Before the Jacksonville Jaguars of the NFL came to town in 1995, professional football had already come to Jacksonville a couple of times already. In the 1970s, the Jacksonville Sharks and Jacksonville Express were part of the World Football League, and in the 1980s the Jacksonville Bulls were members of the United States Football League.

Because of its location and the features of the city, Jacksonville will remain one of the more popular destinations in Florida. A visit to Jacksonville, Florida usually ends up being a well remembered trip.