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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Home2 Suites By Hilton Jacksonville Downtown

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"Highly recommended"

Hotels near other Edward Waters College attractions

Ritz Theatre & LaVilla Museum

You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in 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 browsing the exhibits at Centennial Hall during your travels in Jacksonville. Amble around this vibrant area's riverfront or experience its acclaimed theater 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 beautiful river views and great live music scene. If you're looking for a convenient place to stay, check out the 7 hotels and other accommodations you'll find within a mile.

Where is the best place to stay close to Edward Waters College?

Hyatt Regency Jacksonville is one of the top choices for your stay based on our traveler 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 accommodations 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 before the hotel's cancellation deadline, which is often 24 or 48 hours before your scheduled arrival. If your reservation is non-refundable, you might still have the option to 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 available near Edward Waters College.

Where can I learn more about changing or cancelling my trip in the area near Edward Waters College?

To access more information about updating your stay near Edward Waters College or cancelling it, head over to our customer service page.

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 Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts, and Daily's Place if you're interested in local theater.

How can I get to Edward Waters College?

You can access metro transit at Rosa Parks Station, James Weldon Johnson Park Station, and Jacksonville Central Station. If you'd like to explore around the area nearby, you may want to rent a car for your trip.

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Home2 Suites By Hilton Jacksonville Downtown

Metro Inn & Suites

Hyatt Regency Jacksonville

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

Hilton Garden Inn Jacksonville Downtown Southbank

San Marco Inn East

Tru by Hilton Jacksonville West I 295

Hampton Inn Jacksonville-Downtown-I-95

Apm Inn and Suite

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Jacksonville West, FL

Sleep Inn & Suites Jacksonville West

Baymont by Wyndham Jacksonville Airport

Quality Inn Jacksonville - Orange Park near Naval Air Station

Noble Suites Jacksonville

SureStay Hotel by Best Western Jacksonville South

Stayable Jacksonville West

SureStay by Best Western Jacksonville Airport

Baymont by Wyndham Jacksonville Orange Park

Studio 6 Jacksonville, FL - Baymeadows

Courtyard by Marriott Jacksonville I-295/East Beltway

Top Edward Waters College Hotel Reviews

Home2 Suites By Hilton Jacksonville Downtown

Hotels near other Edward Waters College attractions

Ritz Theatre & LaVilla Museum

Centennial Hall

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