(Source of picture: Florida State Archives)

During the early 1900s, ferryboats used to leave the Southbank at a landing in the vicinity of today's Hilton Hotel.  This photo dates from 1917 or 1918 -- and the clock was already ticking against the ferryboats.  In only about three more years, Jacksonville's first automobile bridge opened, and in about 20 more years, all of the downtown ferries stopped running.