Jackson, Mississippi
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| Jackson, Mississippi | |
|---|---|
 formulanone from Huntsville, United States · CC BY-SA 2.0 · source | |
| Name | Jackson, Mississippi |
| Settlement type | City |
| Pushpin label position | bottom |
| Coordinates | 32.2987°N 90.1848°W |
Jackson, Mississippi is the capital and largest city of Mississippi, located in the central part of the state, near the Pearl River. It is a major cultural and economic center, with a rich history dating back to the early 19th century, and is home to several institutions of higher learning, including Jackson State University, Millsaps College, and Belhaven University. The city is also known for its vibrant music scene, which has produced famous musicians such as Elvis Presley, B.B. King, and LeAnn Rimes. Jackson is situated near several major highways, including Interstate 20, Interstate 55, and U.S. Route 49, making it a hub for transportation and commerce in the region, with nearby cities like Vicksburg, Mississippi, Meridian, Mississippi, and Gulfport, Mississippi.
Geography
Jackson is located in the central part of Mississippi, in the Jackson Prairie region, which is characterized by flat to gently sloping terrain, with an average elevation of around 300 feet above sea level. The city is situated near the Pearl River, which flows into the Gulf of Mexico and is an important source of water and transportation for the region. The surrounding landscape is dominated by Longleaf Pine forests and Oak woodlands, with several nearby lakes and reservoirs, including Ross Barnett Reservoir and Grenada Lake. The city's geography is also influenced by its proximity to the Mississippi Delta region, which is known for its fertile soil and rich agricultural heritage, with nearby cities like Clarksdale, Mississippi, Greenville, Mississippi, and Cleveland, Mississippi. Jackson is also close to several major National Forests, including the De Soto National Forest and the Bienville National Forest, which offer opportunities for outdoor recreation and conservation.
History
The area that is now Jackson was first settled by European Americans in the early 19th century, with the city being founded in 1821 and named after Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States. During the American Civil War, Jackson was an important center for the Confederate States of America, with the city being occupied by Union Army forces in 1863, led by General Ulysses S. Grant. The city played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s, with notable events including the Freedom Summer of 1964, which was organized by Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and Congress of Racial Equality, and the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous I Have a Dream speech. Jackson is also home to several historic sites, including the Eudora Welty House Museum, the Mississippi State Capitol building, and the Medgar Evers Home Museum, which commemorate the life and legacy of Medgar Evers, a prominent civil rights leader.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of Jackson was approximately 153,000 people, with a diverse population that includes African Americans, European Americans, Asian Americans, and Hispanic and Latino Americans. The city has a median household income of around $30,000, with a per capita income of around $20,000, and is home to several major employers, including Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi, Nissan North America, and University of Mississippi Medical Center. Jackson is also a major center for healthcare and medical research, with several hospitals and research institutions, including University of Mississippi Medical Center, Baptist Health Systems, and St. Dominic Hospital. The city is served by several major schools, including Jackson Public School District, Hinds County School District, and Madison County School District, which offer a range of educational programs and services.
Economy
The economy of Jackson is diverse and includes several major industries, such as healthcare, education, and manufacturing, with major employers including Nissan North America, Kaiser Aluminum, and Georgia-Pacific. The city is also a major center for transportation and logistics, with several major highways and interstates, including Interstate 20, Interstate 55, and U.S. Route 49, and is home to the Jackson-Evers International Airport, which offers flights to several major destinations, including Atlanta, Georgia, Dallas, Texas, and Chicago, Illinois. Jackson is also a major hub for commerce and trade, with several major shopping centers, including Metrocenter Mall and Northpark Mall, and is home to several major companies, including Entergy Mississippi, AT&T, and Walmart. The city's economy is also influenced by its proximity to several major United States military bases, including Camp Shelby and Keesler Air Force Base.
Culture
Jackson is known for its vibrant cultural scene, which includes several major museums, such as the Mississippi Museum of Art, the Eudora Welty House Museum, and the Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center. The city is also home to several major festivals and events, including the Jackson Music Festival, the Mississippi State Fair, and the Medgar Evers Home Museum's annual Medgar Evers Day celebration. Jackson is also a major center for music and arts, with several major venues, including the Thalia Mara Hall, the Jackson Convention Complex, and the Mississippi Coliseum, which host a range of performances and events, including concerts, plays, and musicals. The city is also home to several major institutions of higher learning, including Jackson State University, Millsaps College, and Belhaven University, which offer a range of academic programs and cultural events.
Government
The government of Jackson is a Mayor-council government, with a Mayor of Jackson, Mississippi and a seven-member Jackson City Council. The city is also part of Hinds County, Mississippi, and is represented in the Mississippi State Legislature by several elected officials, including Senator John Horhn and Representative Earle Banks. Jackson is also home to several major government institutions, including the Mississippi State Capitol building, the Supreme Court of Mississippi, and the United States District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi. The city's government is also influenced by its proximity to several major United States federal agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service. Jackson is also a member of several major regional organizations, including the Mississippi Municipal League and the National League of Cities.