The capital and largest city of the state of Mississippi is Jackson. It is an important railroad, shipping, manufacturing, and educational center. During the American Civil War the city was burned down and came to be known as “Chimneyville.” Jackson lies along the Pearl River in the west-central part of Mississippi. New Orleans, Louisiana, is 171 miles (275 kilometers) to the south, and Vicksburg is 41 miles (66 kilometers) to the west. Jackson is laid out in a checkerboard style, with alternate squares designated as parks. Places of interest - The New Capitol in Jackson, Mississippi
The Mississippi governor's mansion and its grounds are in the center of Jackson. The New Capitol was built in gray stone in 1903. The original Capitol, known as the Old Capitol, has been restored and now houses a state historical museum. The War Memorial Building and the State Fairgrounds are nearby. Also of interest are the Jackson Zoological Park, the Mississippi Museum of Art, Mynelle Gardens, and the Smith Robertson Museum. The city is also home to Jackson State University and other schools. EconomyJackson developed rapidly in the 20th century. The discovery of natural gas fields nearby encouraged the growth of industry. The surrounding areas are also rich in farmland and timber. Flood control work on the Pearl River has provided agricultural and recreational benefits. HistoryA French Canadian named Louis Le Fleur built a trading post on the site of Jackson in 1792. It was called Le Fleur's Bluff. It remained a trading post until 1820, when the territory was opened to settlement. Soon after Mississippi became a state in 1817, the legislature decided to establish the capital at Le Fleur's Bluff. It was made the state capital in 1822 and was renamed after Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States. The first railroad arrived in Jackson in 1840. Recovery from the destruction of the Civil War was slow until new railroads reached the city in the 1880s. Population (2000 census), 184,256. |