The city of Jackson, Mississippi is the states most populous city and is situated in the southern portion of Mississippi. Jackson along with Raymond Town form the two seats for Hinds County. According to the Census of the year 2000 by the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of Jackson was approximately 184,260. It declined to approximately 173,500 based on the Census of the year 2010. The Jackson metropolitan area is a 5-county area that had population of about 539,000 that very same year. The city of Jackson is the anchor of the Metro area.
Jackson was named in honor of Andrew Jackson. He was a general at the time of the naming and afterward went on to become President. "City with Soul" is the slogan for Jackson, Mississippi. Based on Forbes Magazine, out of America's 100 biggest metro areas, it was ranked 3rd for the best "Bang for Your Buck City." This study measured numerous factors such as overall affordability and housing, together with other things. Moreover, Jackson is placed as the 23rd most dangerous city in the country based on the 14th yearly "City Crime Rankings: Crime in Metropolitan America."
It was way back during 1821 that the community was founded. Referred to as "LeFleur's Bluff," the region was chosen to be the site of the township that will later become the Mississippi state capital. During the year 1821, a legislative act authorized the location to become the permanent seat of government for Mississippi State. That very same year it was decided to name Jackson, to honor Major General Andrew Jackson. Later on, this man will become the 7th President of the USA.
A year later, the area became incorporated as a city. Jackson became a target of Union troops during the Civil War. The city of Jackson was destroyed and burned a lot of times under the command of General William T. Sherman. The post war recovery of the area was rather slow. Jackson started to experience a sharp rise in population during the turn of the 20th century. It eventually became amongst the most dynamic growth areas in the Sunbelt.
Industrial developed was helped in the 1930s when natural gas was discovered nearby. During the 60s and the 70s as the city became the scene of racial unrest. This destructive behavior was epitomized by the slaying of NAACP leader and civil rights activist Medgar Evers in the year 1963, by a white supremacist. There have been many improvements in the subsequent decades in the area of race relations. The Jackson City Council members voted unanimously in 2004 in honor of Medgar Evers by renaming the Jackson International Airport.
Jackson is a center for various recreational activities such as music, fine cuisine and cultural attractions. Amongst the best sites to go to is the Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center. This particular building is situated really near the State Capitol building. It features art, artifacts and photos, celebrating the rich African American experience within the Deep South. The Museum is located within the former Smith Robertson School, which first opened during 1894. It was the very first public school to be built in Jackson intended for African American student.
One of the best landmarks in the city is the Jackson Zoo. It draws hundreds of thousands to visitors each year and has been in operation ever since 1919. There are more than 100 different kinds of animals on display and many of them are considered to be endangered. The Russell C. Davis Planetarium is another highlight within downtown Jackson. It provides the audience a chance to experience stunning space scenes with colorful laser image projection and fantastic large scale film action.