Explore Mississippi's capital and largest city, a pivotal center of Civil Rights history and vibrant soul music culture
153,701
Population
1821
Year Founded
82.47%
African American
8
Major Museums
Overview
Jackson is the capital and largest city of Mississippi, with a population of approximately 153,701. Founded in 1821 as the new state capital and named after General Andrew Jackson, Jackson has become the state's cultural and political hub. The city is predominantly African American (82.47%), with a rich heritage deeply connected to the Civil Rights Movement and Southern soul music traditions.
History
Founding (1821): Jackson was established as Mississippi's capital and named after General Andrew Jackson, the seventh U.S. President. The city developed as a government center at the confluence of the Mississippi and Pearl Rivers.
Civil War Era: Following the Battle of Vicksburg (1863), Union General William Tecumseh Sherman's forces besieged Jackson and set the city on fire. Because of this destruction, few antebellum structures survived. Notable exceptions include the Governor's Mansion (built 1842, Sherman's headquarters) and the Old Capitol building (served as legislature 1839-1903).
Civil Rights Movement: Beginning in 1960, Jackson became the site for dramatic non-violent protests as the state capital. On June 12, 1963, civil rights activist Medgar Evers, leader of Mississippi's NAACP chapter, was assassinated by white supremacist Byron De La Beckwith. The city became a crucial battleground in the freedom struggle.
Demographics & Culture
Population (Current Data)
Total Population: 153,701
African American: 82.47%
White: 16.19%
Other Groups: 1.34%
City Identity & Culture
Slogan: "The City with Soul"
Music Heritage: Gospel, blues, rock, jazz, classical
Influence: Southern soul music epicenter
Museums & Historic Sites
Civil Rights Museums
Mississippi Civil Rights Museum: Opened December 9, 2017. Features eight interactive galleries sharing stories of Mississippi's freedom struggle and fight for equality.
Museum of Mississippi History: Theme: "One Mississippi, Many Stories." Eight galleries explore diverse people and history from prehistoric times to present.
Smith Robertson Museum: CNN recognized as one of 50 States 50 Spots. First public school for African American students; houses thousands of artifacts.
Historic Sites
Medgar Evers Home: National Monument preserving home of civil rights leader. Features permanent exhibition honoring his legacy.
Governor's Mansion (1842): Historic structure serving as Union General Sherman's headquarters during Civil War.
Old Capitol Building: Mississippi's legislative center 1839-1903; now a museum.
Other Cultural Attractions
Mississippi Children's Museum
Mississippi Museum of Natural Science
Mississippi museum of Art
Old Capital Museum
Soul Music Heritage
Jackson is widely celebrated for its profound influence on Southern soul music. The city's legendary and diverse music scene offers everything from gospel and blues to rock, jazz, and classical traditions. This cultural heritage makes Jackson a destination for music enthusiasts exploring America's musical roots and African American artistic contributions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Medgar Evers was a civil rights activist and field secretary for the NAACP in Mississippi. He was assassinated on June 12, 1963, by white supremacist Byron De La Beckwith. His home is now preserved as a National Monument honoring his legacy in the freedom struggle.
Beginning in 1960, Jackson became a pivotal site for dramatic non-violent protests and demonstrations. As Mississippi's state capital, it was the center of government and hence a crucial battleground for civil rights activism, hosting Freedom Rides and mass demonstrations instrumental in advancing the movement nationwide.
Key museums include the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, Museum of Mississippi History, Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center, Mississippi Children's Museum, Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, and the Mississippi Museum of Art. The Civil Rights Museum is particularly important for understanding Mississippi's role in the freedom struggle.
Jackson is known as "The City with Soul" and is celebrated for its profound influence on Southern soul music. The city's diverse music scene encompasses gospel, blues, rock, jazz, and classical traditions, reflecting deep African American artistic contributions to American culture.
Jackson was founded in 1821 as Mississippi's capital and was named after General Andrew Jackson, who was a war hero in the Battle of New Orleans during the War of 1812 and later became the seventh President of the United States.
Following the Battle of Vicksburg in 1863, Union General William Tecumseh Sherman's forces besieged Jackson and set the city on fire. Because of this destruction, few antebellum structures survived. Notable exceptions are the Governor's Mansion and the Old Capitol building.
Yes, the Medgar Evers Home is a National Monument open to visitors. The home has been preserved to honor the civil rights leader and his family's legacy, with one room featuring a permanent exhibition dedicated to his life and assassination.
Jackson is historically associated with civil rights leaders including Medgar Evers, Fannie Lou Hamer, and Vernon Dahmer, whose stories are featured in Jackson's museums. These leaders dedicated themselves to fighting for civil rights and equality in Mississippi.