Jackson

Jackson serves as the county seat of Madison County in western Tennessee and spreads across residential neighborhoods, commercial districts, and educational campuses over several square miles. The city sits at an elevation of roughly 125 meters (410 feet) and includes both older urban cores and newer suburban areas with parks and shopping centers.

The town was founded in 1821 after the Chickasaw ceded their lands and the territory opened for settlement by European immigrants. In the following decades the settlement grew quickly into a regional trading center and was officially designated as the county seat.

The city takes its name from Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States, who played a role in the negotiations for land cession. Today several public buildings and streets reflect this naming and recall the early political connections of the region.

Visitors reach the area via McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport or several main roads connecting the center with surrounding regions. Medical services are available through the West Tennessee Healthcare system and different clinics located throughout the town.

Jerry Gist was the first person to serve simultaneously as mayor of the town and as chief administrative officer of the county, implementing wide-ranging development projects for the region. Under his leadership several new infrastructure measures were coordinated affecting both urban and rural parts of the administrative district.

Location: Madison County

Inception: 1821

Elevation above the sea: 125 m

Website: https://jacksontn.gov

GPS coordinates: 35.61444,-88.81775

Latest update: December 13, 2025 08:33