Jackson history

The history of Jackson, the capital of the state of Mississippi, is closely linked to its strategic location and political significance for the region. The city was founded not as a spontaneous settlement, but as a result of a deliberate decision by state authorities to relocate the capital.

Foundation and Choice of Capital

In 1821, the Mississippi General Assembly decided to move the capital from the city of Natchez to a more central location within the state. For this purpose, an area known as LeFleur's Bluff, located on the banks of the Pearl River, was chosen. This location was attractive due to its geographical position, access to water, and trade routes. In 1822, the new city was officially established as the capital and named Jackson in honour of General Andrew Jackson, a hero of the War of 1812 and the future seventh president of the USA.

Key Factors of Formation

The early development of Jackson was defined by several key factors that shaped it into an important regional hub:

• Political Centre: From its very foundation, the city's main function was state administration. The first session of the legislature took place here as early as 1822. The construction of iconic government buildings, such as the Old Capitol (1839) and the Governor's Mansion (1842), solidified its capital status.
• Geographical Location: A central location was decisive in selecting the site for the capital, ensuring more convenient access for residents from different parts of the state. The Pearl River, although it did not become a major transport artery as expected, played an important role in the early development of the territory.
• Transport Hub: A real breakthrough for the city's economy was the construction of the railway, which reached Jackson in 1840. This transformed the city into a vital hub for the transport of cotton and other goods, connecting it with other major centres.

Early Economy and Culture

In the first half of the 19th century, Jackson's economy was closely tied to the agrarian lifestyle of the surrounding region. The basis of Mississippi's prosperity was cotton, which determined the economic life of the capital as well. The city served not only as an administrative but also as a commercial centre for planters. With the development of transport infrastructure, Jackson also began to acquire the features of an industrial city, which became particularly evident in the middle of the century. Cultural life in the early period was focused around political events and the lives of wealthy citizens, shaping the image of a typical Southern city of that era.

Chronology of Key Events

Jackson's history is a kaleidoscope of iconic moments, from its planned foundation as a capital to its role in key events of American history. The city has survived destruction, became a centre of the struggle for civil rights, and today continues to develop while preserving its rich heritage.

• 1821 — The Mississippi General Assembly decides to move the state capital to the geographical centre, selecting the LeFleur's Bluff area for this purpose.
• 1822 — The city is officially established as the state capital and named Jackson in honour of General Andrew Jackson, a hero of the War of 1812.
• 1839 — Construction of the Old Capitol is completed, which became the centre of political life in Mississippi for many years.
• 1840 — The railway arrives in Jackson, radically changing its economic position and turning it into an important transport hub for cotton exports.
• 1863 — During the Civil War, the city was captured and almost completely burned by Union troops under the command of General Sherman, earning it the nickname "Chimneyville".
• 1903 — The new Mississippi State Capitol opens, a magnificent Beaux-Arts style building symbolizing the recovery and ambitions of the city in the new century.
• 1930s — The discovery of natural gas deposits in the city's vicinity gives a powerful boost to its economic growth during the Great Depression.
• 1961 — The "Freedom Riders", activists of the Civil Rights Movement, arrive in Jackson, where they are arrested for violating segregation laws at the bus station.
• 1963 — Medgar Evers, one of the most influential leaders of the Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi, was assassinated outside his home in Jackson.
• 1979 — The catastrophic Easter Flood on the Pearl River inundates a significant part of the city, causing colossal economic damage and becoming the worst in the city's history.
• 2017 — The grand opening of the Museum of Mississippi History and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum takes place; these became iconic cultural institutions telling the story of the state's complex past.

Key Stages of Jackson's Development

Jackson's history is marked by a series of turning points that defined its economic, cultural, and urban character. From its foundation as a planned capital to its transformation into a centre for the civil rights struggle, these milestones have shaped the modern city.

Railway Hub (from the 1840s)

The arrival of the railway in 1840 provided the first powerful impetus for economic growth. The city transformed from an administrative centre into a vital transport hub for cotton exports, which stimulated trade and attracted a new population.

Destruction and Rebirth (1863 – late 19th century)

During the Civil War, the city was almost completely burned down by Union troops commanded by General Sherman, earning the nickname "Chimneyville". The subsequent reconstruction became a massive urban planning task that defined Jackson's development for decades to come and symbolized the resilience of its residents.

Construction of the New Capitol (1903)

The erection of the new Capitol in the Beaux-Arts style became a symbol of the city's rebirth after the devastation of the Civil War. This monumental building not only strengthened Jackson's status as the state's political centre but also marked the beginning of a period of new economic and cultural growth in the 20th century.

Gas Boom (1930s)

The discovery of large natural gas fields in the vicinity of the city during the Great Depression gave a powerful impulse to its economy. This attracted investment, created jobs, and helped Jackson survive one of the most difficult economic periods in US history more easily.

Epicentre of the Civil Rights Movement (1960s)

Jackson became one of the key arenas in the struggle for civil rights in the USA. Events such as the arrival of the "Freedom Riders" and the tragic assassination of movement leader Medgar Evers attracted the attention of the entire nation and led to profound social and cultural transformations that forever changed the face of the city.

The Easter Flood and its Consequences (1979)

The catastrophic flood on the Pearl River in April 1979 inundated a significant part of the city and caused enormous economic damage. This natural disaster forced a review of urban planning approaches and led to the creation of a modern system of levees and flood control measures, improving the city's safety.

Emergence as a Medical Centre (Second half of the 20th century)

The development of the University of Mississippi Medical Center, where the world's first successful lung transplant was performed in 1963, turned Jackson into an important regional hub for healthcare and scientific research. This became one of the key directions of the city's modern economy.

Cultural Reimagining (from 2017)

The opening of the Museum of Mississippi History and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum became an important cultural milestone. These modern museum complexes symbolize the desire of the city and state to understand their complex past, fostering dialogue and reconciliation.

The architecture of Jackson reflects its rich and complex history, from its planned foundation as a capital to its transformation into a modern Southern metropolis. The city's urban development began with Peter Van Dorn's ambitious "checkerboard" plan in 1822, which proposed alternating city blocks with parks, laying the foundation for future growth. Today, several key architectural eras can be traced in Jackson's appearance.

Antebellum Classicism and Revival

In the first half of the 19th century, the dominant style for significant public buildings was Greek Revival. This style, symbolizing the democratic ideals of the young nation, found its embodiment in two iconic structures of the city. The Old Capitol (1839) is an outstanding example of this style, with its strict lines, portico, and majestic dome. Another gem of the era was the Governor's Mansion (1842), which is also executed in the Greek Revival tradition and is one of the oldest continuously occupied governor's residences in the USA.

Architecture of the Late 19th – Early 20th Century

After the destruction of the Civil War, the city began to actively rebuild. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, diverse styles appeared in the architecture. A landmark event was the construction of the New Capitol (1903), executed in the lavish Beaux-Arts style. This monumental building with luxurious decor, marble interiors, and a gilded eagle on the dome symbolized Jackson's rebirth and ambitions in the new century. During this same period, buildings in the Gothic Revival style appeared in the city, a striking example of which is the Lamar Life Building (1924), which became the city's first skyscraper.

From Art Deco to Modernism

In the 1920s and 1930s, the Art Deco style became popular in Jackson, as in all of America. A characteristic example of this trend is the Standard Life Building (1929), distinguished by strict geometry and decorative elements. In the mid-20th century, during the period of post-war growth, buildings in the spirit of Modernism and the International Style began to appear in the city, which is especially noticeable in government and office buildings, such as the Walter Sillers State Office Building.

Contemporary Look and Heritage Preservation

Jackson's modern architecture strives to combine innovation with respect for the past. An important addition to the urban landscape was the opening in 2017 of the Museum of Mississippi History and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. Their modern design symbolizes a new chapter in the city's history, dedicated to understanding its complex heritage. Alongside new structures, historical districts and individual buildings are carefully preserved in Jackson, such as the Manship House (1857) and Union Station (1927) in the Renaissance Revival style, allowing the city to maintain its unique atmosphere.

Notable Personalities Associated with Jackson

Jackson, the capital of Mississippi, has been the birthplace or an important stage in life for many iconic figures in American history, literature, and culture. These people have left a deep mark on the heritage of the city and the entire country.

• Medgar Evers — one of the most influential leaders of the Civil Rights Movement in the USA. As the first field secretary of the NAACP in Mississippi, he lived and worked in Jackson, where he organized boycotts, demonstrations, and voter registration campaigns. In 1963, he was tragically assassinated outside his home in Jackson, which became a turning point in the struggle for equality and attracted the attention of the entire nation. His home is now a national monument, and the city's international airport bears his name.
• Eudora Welty — a distinguished American writer and Pulitzer Prize winner. She was born, lived most of her life, and died in Jackson. Her short stories and novels, deeply rooted in the atmosphere of the American South, subtly convey the complexity of human relationships and the nuances of life in Mississippi. Eudora Welty's home in Jackson has been turned into a museum and is a National Historic Landmark.
• Richard Wright — one of the most significant African American writers of the 20th century. Although he was born on a plantation near Natchez, it was in Jackson, where his family moved in his childhood, that his formative years passed. The difficult experience of life in the racially segregated South, including in Jackson, formed the basis of his powerful works, such as the novel "Native Son" and the autobiography "Black Boy".
• Faith Hill — a world-famous country singer and winner of numerous awards, including the Grammy. She was born in Ridgeland, a suburb of Jackson, and grew up in the nearby town of Star. It was in Jackson, at an Elvis Presley concert, that she received the inspiration in her youth that defined her future career. Her song "Mississippi Girl" became a kind of anthem of her connection to the state.
• Leontyne Price — a world-renowned opera singer (soprano), one of the first African American women to achieve prima donna status on the global opera stage. Born in Laurel, Mississippi, she often performed and was an iconic figure for the entire state, including its capital Jackson, symbolizing the triumph of talent over racial barriers.