Jackson, Mississippi was once known as LeFleur's Bluff, named after the French-Canadian who was the first person of European heritage to settle here in the late 1700s. It was located on the Natchez Trace and consisted of a trading post originally. On November 28, 1821, the capital of Mississippi was relocated from Natchez to the more centrally located site of LeFleur's Bluff in Hinds County. It was later renamed Jackson, in honor of Andrew Jackson.

In 1839 there was a law passed in Jackson, permitting the women of Mississippi to own and administer their own property.

During the Civil War, Jackson was a center of manufacturing for the Confederate States of America. During the war, it was involved in two battles, the latter resulting in a one-week seige of the city. Following the final battle, Union forces burned the city to the ground so completely that it was known as "chimneyville". Only the chimneys were left of the homes in Jackson. Very few buildings of that era are left standing in Jackson. Today, the Governor's Mansion, the city hall building and the "old" capital building are among the few that were not burned down.

Today, Jackson is a thriving, modern city that would not be recognized as a place that has endured so much. There are several institutes of higher learning in Jackson and many large corporations have facilities there. Jackson is a beautiful place to visit and is amidst some of the most historic Civil War sites.

When in the Jackson area, be sure to visit:

The Governor's Mansion - 300 East Capitol Street, Jackson, MS

D'Lo Water Park - Mendenhall, MS

Mississippi's Petrified Forest - 124 Forest Park Rd., Flora, MS

Mynelle Gardens - 4736 Clinton Rd., Jackson, MS

Ross R. Barnett Reservoir - 115 Madison Landing, Ridgeland, MS

Cathedral of Saint Peter the Apostle - Twice burned, fully restored

Manship House Museum - Home of Jackson's Civil War mayor