Jackson

Jackson sits across three counties with government offices, shopping districts, and residential streets at an elevation of 85 meters (279 feet). Wide roads connect neighborhoods of low buildings and green spaces scattered between developed zones.

Founded in 1822 and named after General Andrew Jackson, the settlement became the state capital as Mississippi organized itself after statehood. Decades later, it served as a focal point during the civil rights movement when activists organized marches and protests across its streets.

Blues and gospel music play in clubs around Farish Street, while local restaurants serve regional dishes with slow-cooked barbecue and cornbread. Families gather in public parks and community centers on weekends, where outdoor festivals and church services shape the rhythm of daily life.

Interstate highways 55 and 20 cross through the city, linking it to Memphis, New Orleans, Dallas, and Atlanta for regional travel. Summer temperatures often climb above 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius), so early morning or evening hours are more comfortable for walking outdoors.

The only museum in the state dedicated solely to Mississippi natural history displays fossils from the coastal region and ancient marine life. Visitors can also see a collection of early 20th-century steam locomotives exhibited at a railway museum near downtown.

Location: Hinds County

Location: Madison County

Location: Rankin County

Inception: 1822

Elevation above the sea: 85 m

Website: http://jacksonms.gov

GPS coordinates: 32.29889,-90.18472

Latest update: December 12, 2025 19:18