Demographically, Jacksonville is the youngest city in the United States, with an average age of 22.8 years old, which can be attributed to the large military presence.

[8][7] It is the home of the United States Marine Corps' Camp Lejeune and New River Air Station.

The end of the Tuscarora wars in 1713 and the forced removal of Native American tribes was followed by permanent settlement of the regions between New Bern and Wilmington.

[9] The town was briefly captured and occupied in November 1862 by a raiding party led by U.S. Navy Lt. William B.

[11] Jacksonville and Onslow County continued to rely on naval stores, lumber, and tobacco crops for industry.

The map is believed to have fostered the interest of the War and Navy Departments in establishing an amphibious training base in the area.

Congressman Graham Arthur Barden of New Bern lobbied Congress to appropriate funds for the purchase of about 100,000 acres (400 km2) along the eastern bank of the New River.

[12][13][14] Construction of Camp Lejeune caused a population explosion in the small town of about 800 inhabitants, as new workers migrated to the area.

The resolution of adoption mentions "the prevention of the modern slavery" which it describes as "human trafficking", including child labor and military service.

[24] The Jacksonville City Council members (as of 2024) are:[1] Onslow County Schools serves the city, except for areas on U.S. military bases, including Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station New River; the military areas are served by Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools.

[26] In 2009, the Jacksonville metropolitan statistical area ranked as the ninth-highest in the United States for ratio of commuters who walked to work (8.1%).