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.

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Top Edward Waters College Hotel Reviews

Southbank Hotel by Marriott Jacksonville Riverwalk

10/10 Excellent

"The staff at this property were the best part honestly. From the valets who greeted me daily to the front desk staff who quickly rectified an issue I was having with the TV in my room to the bartenders in the restaurant. Everyone had the best disposition and always greeted me with a smile. "

Hyatt Regency Jacksonville

10/10 Excellent

"Customer service truly went above and beyond!! We had a minor issue with one of our rooms that I honestly did not expect anything in return for. Customer service took care of our parking fee, gave us a huge discounted rate for meals, and even a little something to purchase anything we may need at their market. Not what I expected at all. Throughout the process they could not have been any nicer and professional."

Sugar Magnolia House-Romantic Historic Home

10/10 Excellent

"We were in the city to attend our Summer RC. Because l am directionally challenged, l looked for the closest place and found it with Vrbo . We were very pleased with the accommodations. And the attention to historicity of the house and its furnishings with all the modern conveniences we've come to love. . We look forward to our stay next year if once again we are assigned Jacksonville as our site. Thanx Melody for all of your gracious responses to our inquiries. The Copeland's.....till next time."

Hotels near other Edward Waters College attractions

Ritz Theatre & LaVilla Museum

You can spend an afternoon studying the exhibits at Ritz Theatre & LaVilla Museum during your travels in Jacksonville. Amble around this vibrant area's riverfront or experience its great live music.

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Centennial Hall

You can spend an afternoon studying the exhibits at Centennial Hall during your travels in Jacksonville. Amble around this vibrant area's riverfront or experience its acclaimed theatre scene.

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Frequently asked questions

What's the area like around Edward Waters College?

Edward Waters College is located in a vibrant area of Jacksonville known for its stunning river views and great live music scene. If you're looking for a convenient place to stay, take a look at the 7 hotels and other accommodation options you'll find within a mile.

What's the best hotel to stay near Edward Waters College?

Hyatt Regency Jacksonville is one of the top choices for your stay based on our traveller data, and this hotel offers 3 restaurants and an outdoor pool. It's located 2.3 mi (3.7 km) from Edward Waters College. Other good choices within a few miles include Marriott Jacksonville Downtown and DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Jacksonville Riverfront.

How many hotels should I expect to find close to Edward Waters College?

Expedia has 7 hotels and other accommodation options within a mile from Edward Waters College.

If I need to cancel the hotel reservation for my stay near Edward Waters College, will I receive a refund?

Yes! You'll find that most hotel reservations are fully refundable if you cancel prior to the accommodation's cancellation deadline, which in most cases is within 24 or 48 hours of check in. If your reservation is non-refundable, you might be able to still cancel and receive a refund within a 24-hour period of your booking. Enter your dates, click on "Search", then filter by "fully refundable" to view the best deals near Edward Waters College.

What can I see and do near Edward Waters College?

Jacksonville Museum of Modern Art, Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens and Museum of Science and History feature captivating exhibits. Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center, Florida Theatre and Centennial Hall are well-known local landmarks worth a visit. You can watch performances at Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts, Daily's Place and Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra if you're interested in local theatre.

How can I get to Edward Waters College?

You can access metro transport at Rosa Parks Station, James Weldon Johnson Park Station and Jacksonville Central Station. If you'd like to explore farther outside of the area, you may want a car rental for your journey.

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Accommodation near Edward Waters College

Residence Inn by Marriott Jacksonville Downtown

Residence Inn by Marriott Jacksonville Downtown

Home2 Suites By Hilton Jacksonville Downtown

Home2 Suites By Hilton Jacksonville Downtown

Marriott Jacksonville Downtown

Marriott Jacksonville Downtown

Metro Inn & Suites

Metro Inn & Suites

Hyatt Regency Jacksonville

Hyatt Regency Jacksonville

Southbank Hotel by Marriott Jacksonville Riverwalk

Southbank Hotel by Marriott Jacksonville Riverwalk

Hampton Inn Jacksonville-Downtown-I-95

Hampton Inn Jacksonville-Downtown-I-95

Homewood Suites by Hilton Jacksonville Downtown-Southbank

Homewood Suites by Hilton Jacksonville Downtown-Southbank

Hilton Garden Inn Jacksonville Downtown Southbank

Hilton Garden Inn Jacksonville Downtown Southbank

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Jacksonville Riverfront

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Jacksonville Riverfront

Apm Inn and Suite

Apm Inn and Suite

SureStay Hotel by Best Western Jacksonville South

SureStay Hotel by Best Western Jacksonville South

Noble Suites Jacksonville

Noble Suites Jacksonville

Economy Inn San Marco

Economy Inn San Marco

Magnuson Hotel Jacksonville Downtown

Magnuson Hotel Jacksonville Downtown

Stayable Jacksonville West

Stayable Jacksonville West

The Van Zant House

The Van Zant House

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

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

Jax Inn

Jax Inn

Scottish Inn Jacksonville Downtown

Scottish Inn Jacksonville Downtown

Top Edward Waters College Hotel Reviews

Southbank Hotel by Marriott Jacksonville Riverwalk

Hotels near other Edward Waters College attractions

Ritz Theatre & LaVilla Museum

Centennial Hall

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