A well-known fact about Jackson is that it is the state capital and the largest city in Mississippi. Located in the central part of the Magnolia State, Jackson’s population is 173,514, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
But little is known about Jackson outside of Mississippi. Here are five facts about Jackson that may even surprise a few Mississippians:
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1. Named after Andrew Jackson
Jackson, dubbed “The City with Soul,” was
founded in 1821 on the west bank of the Pearl River, according to the Jackson Visitors and Convention Bureau.
It was initially named LeFleur’s Bluff after a French-Canadian trader, Louis LeFleur. But, when the state legislature decided to move the state capital there, LeFleur’s Bluff was renamed Jackson after Andrew Jackson, who served as major general in the Battle of New Orleans and went on to serve as America’s seventh president.
2. Historic Governor’s Mansion
The Governor’s Mansion in Jackson was
first authorized for construction in 1839 and finished three years later, according to the Jackson Visitors and Convention Bureau. The mansion is the second-oldest residence of its kind in the U.S. as listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
3. Seat of War
Once Mississippi seceded from the Union in 1861,
Jackson became a seat of war for the Confederates, according to the Mississippi Historical Society. In a little more than four years, the city was captured five times by Union troops and was nearly completely destroyed by the continual fighting.
4. Home of International Ballet
Jackson holds the distinction of being one of four cities that The International Theater/Dance Committee has
authorized to host the International Ballet Competition, according to Mississippi’s official government website.
Jackson hosts the USA International Ballet Competition every four years. Joining Jackson in this honor are Varna, Bulgaria; Helsinki, Finland; and Moscow, Russia.
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The U.S. Congress passed a resolution naming Jackson home to the two-week-long Olympic-style event, which
attracts the world’s top dancers, according to the Jackson Free Press. The next competition will take place in 2018 at Thalia Mara Hall.
5. Fourth Mississippi State Capital
Jackson was not the first capital city of Mississippi. Natchez was the initial capital when Mississippi was a U.S. territory. Washington became the capital after the state was admitted to the Union, and then was followed by Columbia as capital city on an interim basis until
Jackson was established in 1822, according to the Mississippi Historical Society.
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