Jackson (Mississippi)

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The site of a trading post, known as Le Fleur's Bluff, not far from the Natchez Trace, was chosen and laid out as the state capital in 1821. It was named for Andrew Jackson, the 7th President of the United States. The first U.S. law giving property rights to married women was passed in Jackson in 1839. During the Civil War, Jackson was a military center for the Vicksburg campaign (the fighting from November 1862 to July 1863 for control of the Mississippi River) and it was consequently destroyed by Sherman's forces in 1863. During the 1960s, Jackson was the scene of considerable racial unrest.

The old capitol dates from 1839 and is preserved as a museum. The new capitol was completed in 1903. Among the many points of interest are the governor's mansion, which was erected in 1839 and city hall, which was used as a hospital during the Civil War. If you are interested in hydrography, you can visit Jackson's 89 hectare (220 acre) large scale model of the Mississippi River flood control system. Other places of interest include Mynelle's Gardens, Jackson Zoological Park, several art museums and museums of natural history and state history. There is also a notable Confederate monument in Jackson, as well as many antebellum homes.

Jackson is home to Belhaven College, Jackson State University and the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Nearby are Tougaloo College and Mississippi College.

Jackson is the largest city in Mississippi and the state's geographic center. It has important rail, warehouse and distribution operations. Industries include food processing and the manufacture of glass, paper, metal products, lumber, machinery, consumer goods, furniture and concrete.

There are many hotels and restaurants in Jackson. The city is on the Pearl River in central Mississippi, some 1420 km southwest from Washington D.C.