History

Jackson was founded in 1821 at the site of a trading post that was situated on a "high handsome bluff" on the west bank of the Pearl River. Legend tells that the trading post was operated by a French-Canadian trader named Louis LeFleur, and the town originally was called LeFleur's Bluff.

The Mississippi state legislature wanted the seat of government moved out of the Natchez area and into a more central location. It commissioned three men to locate an ideal place for a town that could become the state capital.

After surveying areas north and east of Jackson, Thomas Hinds, James Patton, and William Lattimore proceeded southwest along the Pearl River until they came to LeFleur's Bluff in Hinds County. Their report to the General Assembly was that this location had "beautiful and healthful surroundings, good water, abundant timber, navigable waters, and nearness to the Natchez Trace."

A legislative act dated November 28, 1821 authorized the location to be the permanent seat of government for the state and that it would be named Jackson, in honor of Major General Andrew Jackson who would later become the seventh president of the United States.

The building of a new state house had top priority and a $3,500 contract was awarded to build Mississippi's first capitol, a two-story brick structure 40 feet by 30 feet.
Shortly after the adoption of the Constitution of 1832 that ensured that Jackson would be the permanent capital, the Mississippi legislature authorized the construction of a new and much larger house of government.

This magnificent example of Greek Revival architecture remained the seat of state government until 1903. It lay dormant for several years, and then served as state offices until the late 1950s. Having survived several threats of destruction, the Old Capitol was lovingly restored and opened to the public as a state historical museum in 1961.

A third capitol building, referred to as the "New Capitol," was completed in 1903. This magnificent structure, patterned after the National Capitol, is a major tourist attraction today, as well as the focus of Mississippi state government activities.

Two other buildings are worthy of note. The Governor's Mansion, authorized in 1839 and completed in 1842, is the second oldest residence of its type in the nation and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Jackson's City Hall, built in 1846 for less than $8,000, is still the working seat of municipal government after more than 140 years. The massively-columned three-story building and the gardens that surround it are two of the most photographed locations in the city.

Jackson's growth in the 1800s was slow and sometimes painful. During the Civil War, the town was ravaged and burned three times by Union troops under the command of General William Tecumseh Sherman. Surprisingly, the City Hall was spared the torch. It was rumored that Sherman bypassed the building because it housed a Masonic Lodge and that the Union leader was a Mason. More likely its use as a hospital was the reason the building was not burned.

Although less than 8,000 people lived in the Jackson area at the turn of the century, its population began accelerating rapidly after 1900, and it is now one of the dynamic growth areas of the Sunbelt. In 1990, the population of the Metropolitan area rose to 395,396. It is a major distribution center with a prime location equal distance between Memphis and New Orleans, north-south, and between Dallas and Atlanta, east-west.

As a major distribution center, efficient transportation facilities are a must. Eight major air carriers -- American Eagle, ASA, Comair, Continental Express, Delta, Northwest Airlink, US Airways Express, and Southwest Airlines provide service in the Jackson International Airport and Hawkins Field. The Illinois Central Gulf Railroad and scores of major truck lines provide freight service to all parts of the nation.

Jackson boasts two regional shopping malls and numerous multi-store centers. One is so uniquely designed that it is also a favorite tourist attraction.

Eleven hospitals, including the nationally renowned University of Mississippi Medical Center, provide diagnosis and treatment for nearly every possible physical and emotional ailment.

Jackson is on the forefront of technology, particularly in the telecommunications field. The Southeast's most advanced, state-of-the-art conference center is located in downtown Jackson, Mississippi. Offering video conferencing, wireless data services, and more, this 74,000 square-foot center will change the way you do business forever. You can book your next function there by calling 601-973-7002 for more information.

Every major church denomination is represented in the city and there are more than 400 houses of worship scattered throughout the 105 square miles of community. An excellent public school system is an integral part of the area and one university and six colleges and junior colleges are located within 15 miles of Jackson's center.

Residents are extremely proud of their Southern hospitality and "quality of life." Community support is strong for a symphony orchestra, an opera company and two professional theater groups.