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.

Jacksonville Edward Waters College Hotels

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Top Edward Waters College Hotel Reviews

Hyatt Regency Jacksonville

10/10 Excellent

"Easy check in and we had a river view which was fantastic!"

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 lively festivals.

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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 8 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 DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Jacksonville Riverfront and Southbank Hotel by Marriott Jacksonville Riverwalk.

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

Expedia has 8 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 Ritz Theatre & LaVilla Museum 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 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.

Jacksonville Edward Waters College Hotels

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Our top choices for Edward Waters College hotels

Residence Inn by Marriott Jacksonville Downtown

Home2 Suites By Hilton Jacksonville Downtown

Metro Inn & Suites

Hyatt Regency Jacksonville

Southbank Hotel by Marriott Jacksonville Riverwalk

Hampton Inn Jacksonville-Downtown-I-95

Extended Stay America Suites Jacksonville Riverwalk Conv Ctr

Apm Inn and Suite

Economy Inn San Marco

SureStay Hotel by Best Western Jacksonville South

Noble Suites Jacksonville

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

Magnuson Hotel Jacksonville Downtown

The Van Zant House

Stayable Jacksonville West

Jax Inn

Scottish Inn Jacksonville Downtown

SureStay by Best Western Jacksonville Airport

Baymont by Wyndham Jacksonville Airport

Extended Stay America Select Suites - Jacksonville - North

Top Edward Waters College Hotel Reviews

Hyatt Regency Jacksonville

Hotels near other Edward Waters College attractions

Ritz Theatre & LaVilla Museum

Centennial Hall

Frequently asked questions