The present day town of Jackson was first settled as New Madbury in 1778. In 1800, the town was renamed Adams, in honour of John Adams, who was then the 2nd president of the United States. When Andrew Jackson became the country's 7th president, the town was renamed Jackson to honour him. In 2021, the town retained its name, but it was rededicated to geologist Charles Thomas Jackson.

Because of its beautiful natural setting, Jackson has always been a popular resort town. It is surrounded by the White Mountain National Forest to the west, north and east.

The Honeymoon Bridge, or Covered Bridge No. 51, is a wooden covered bridge that carries Village Street across the Ellis River. The bridge was constructed in 1876.

There are several hotels and restaurants in Jackson. The town is located in the White Mountains of eastern New Hampshire.