Jacksonville

The charismatic town of Jacksonville NC, in Onslow County North Carolina, is full of southern charm and hospitality. Jacksonville is home to the United States Marine Corps’ Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station New River. Due to its high military pretense, Jacksonville is a young city with an average age of 22 years old. Jacksonville was named to honor U.S. President Andrew Jackson in 1941, and since its establishment Jacksonville has been dedicated to the military. The town was built around the military with the New River being crucial to the U.S. Navy. The Freedom Fountain can be found in the center of Jacksonville to honor the brave men and women who fought for our country.    

Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune is a military training facility used for amphibious assault training because of the 11 miles of base property on the beach. Wilmington and Morehead City are two deepwater ports that allow for fast deployment. Construction of the base began on May 1st, 1941, and the base spans 156,000 acres with 48 tactical landing zones.  

Lejeune Memorial Gardens honors and remembers those who serve our country. There are four current memorials at the Lejeune Memorial Gardens. Beirut Memorial honors the 273 Marines truck bomb destroyed Barrack in Beirut Lebanon. “They Came in Peace” is carved into stone at the memorial to honor the brave soldiers.   

Breathtaking parks can be found in Jacksonville Downtown. Wilson Bay Park offers kayaking, canoeing, and fishing to tourists. Willingham Waterfront Park can be found along the waterfront with various courts for kids to play on. Seasonal festivals, including Riverwalk Palooza, Octoberfest, and Winterfest are held in the Riverwalk Park, while the New River is a great place to take a stroll along the new river.