Jackson, Michigan
Encyclopedia
Jackson is a city located along Interstate 94 in the south central area of the U.S. state of Michigan
, about 40 miles (64.4 km) west of Ann Arbor and 35 miles (56.3 km) south of Lansing. It is the county seat
of Jackson County
. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 33,534. It is the principal city of the Jackson Metropolitan Statistical Area, which includes Jackson County and has a population of 160,248.
It was founded in 1829, and named after President Andrew Jackson
.
, the city has a total area of 11.1 mi2, all of it land.
On July 3, 1829, Horace Blackman, accompanied by Alexander Laverty, a land surveyor, and an Indian guide forded the Grand River and made camp for the night at what is now Trail and N. Jackson Street. They arrived in Jackson on a well-traveled Indian trail leading west from Ann Arbor. Blackman hired Laverty and Pewytum to guide him west. Blackman returned to Ann Arbor and then Monroe
and registered his claim for 160 acres (65 ha) at two dollars an acre. Blackman returned to Jackson in August 1829, with his brother Russell. Together they cleared land and built a cabin, built on the corner of what would become Ingham and Trail streets. The town was first called Jacksonopolis. Later, it was renamed Jacksonburgh. Finally, in 1838 the town's name was changed to simply Jackson.
. Undisputed is the fact that the first official meeting of the group that actually called itself "Republican" was held in Jackson under the Oaks on July 6, 1854. Earlier meetings of groups that later formed the Republican Party were held in Ripon, Wisconsin; Exeter, New Hampshire
; and Crawfordsville, Iowa
, and all four cities bill themselves as the "Birthplace of the Republican Party."
A Michigan Historical Marker at what is now the northwest corner of Second and Franklin streets in Jackson commemorates an anti-slavery convention of men on July 6, 1854. Meeting outside to avoid a hot, over-crowded hall, the group ultimately selected a slate of candidates for state elections. The marker identifies this as the birth of the Republican Party. The site, an oak grove on "Morgan's Forty", then on the outskirts of town, became known as "Under the Oaks".
Three major private employers in the city are CMS Energy
, which provides natural gas and electrical services
to much of Michigan and has its international headquarters in the city, as well as Allegiance Health (Formerly Foote Hospital
) and the Eaton Corporation
.
Michigan Automotive Compressor, Inc. (MACI) is the largest manufacturer in Jackson County and its fourth-largest individual employer. However, in February 2009 it began offering voluntary buyouts to its workers, in reaction to the slowing economy.
Jackson is also home to a state prison complex, which includes a building once known as the largest walled prison in the world. Portions of the prison complex closed in 2007, including the Annex of the Charles Egeler Reception and Guidance Center Annex (RGC) and the Southern Michigan Correctional Facility (JMF). However, the five other facilities in the complex, including two in the old walled building, remain open: the G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility (JCF), the Cooper Street Correctional Facility (JCS), the Charles Egeler Reception & Guidance Center (RGC), the Parnall Correctional Facility (SMT).
. Each year the facility hosts several NASCAR
sanctioned races including two Sprint Cup races held in June and August, in addition to a NASCAR Camping World Truck series race and one Nationwide Series race.
The Jackson area was the home of Indy 500-winning car owner U. E. Patrick
("Pat" Patrick) and NASCAR team owner Harry Melling
. Patrick Racing
was formed in 1978 concurrent with the formation of Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART
). For many years CART was sponsored by PPG. Patrick Racing won three Indianapolis 500
s and two CART PPG championships with Gordon Johncock and Emerson Fittipaldi before the team folded in 1991. The team was revived in 1994 to test Firestone Indy car tires, and won the 1995 Michigan 500
. Patrick Racing jumped to the IRL in 2004 and folded at the end of the season. Jackson area residents gave early financial support to Bill Elliott
, then a promising young driver who joined the new Melling Racing team in 1982. Melling Racing with Elliott driving the Coors sponsored number 9 Ford Thunderbird won the NASCAR Winston Cup series title in 1988.
Jackson County is home to Springport Motor Speedway in Springport, Michigan
. Springport Motor Speedway
is a state-of-the-art facility constructed in 1989 and home to the some of the finest short track racing in Michigan.
west of town and Jackson Crossing
north of town.
operates several correctional facilities in Blackman Township, near Jackson. They include the Cooper Street Correctional Facility, the Cotton Correctional Facility, the Charles Egeler Reception & Guidance Center (reception center for new male prisoners), and the Parnall Correctional Facility.
. The Jackson urbanized area is home to approximately 16 elementary public schools, as well as about 16 private or parochial schools. It also has a large public middle school (The Middle School at Parkside), as well as Jackson Catholic Middle School. Finally, it also boasts eight high schools: Jackson High School
(Public), East Jackson High School (Public), Jackson County Western High School
(Public), Northwest High School
(Public), The daVinci Institute (Charter
), Jackson Christian School (Private, Non-Denom), T. A. Wilson Academy (Public), and Lumen Christi High School
(Private, Catholic).
Education continues for adults who can take advantage of programs offered at three institutions of higher learning: Jackson Community College
(JCC), Baker College
, and Spring Arbor University
. There are an additional 15 institutions all within one hour of Jackson County.
As of the census of 2000, there were 36,316 people, 14,210 households, and 8,668 families residing in the city. The population density was 3274.9 PD/sqmi. There were 15,241 housing units at an average density of 1374.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 73.87% White, 19.70% Black or African American
, 0.56% Native American, 0.51% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 1.65% from other races
, and 3.67% from two or more races. 4.05% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 14,210 households out of which 33.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 35.8% were married couples living together, 19.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.0% were non-families. 32.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 3.12.
In the city the population was spread out with 29.7% under the age of 18, 9.8% from 18 to 24, 30.4% from 25 to 44, 18.2% from 45 to 64, and 11.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females there were 91.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.5 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $31,294, and the median income for a family was $39,072. Males had a median income of $31,957 versus $23,817 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,230. About 15.2% of families and 19.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 26.9% of those under age 18 and 11.0% of those age 65 or over.
. The First Baptist Church was established in 1839; the present building, a Romanesque Revival structure, was dedicated in March 1872. The First Congregational Church is housed in a monumental Romanesque Revival building constructed in 1859. Its congregation has actively participated in local social reform efforts, participating in the antislavery movement in the 1840s and later supporting the temperance
and civil rights movement
s. St. Paul's Episcopal Church was also founded in 1839. The congregation's first church building, constructed in 1840, was replaced by a Romanesque Revival building in 1853; it is one of the oldest Episcopal Church
structures in southern Michigan.
Constructed in 1857, St. John's the Evangelist Church is the oldest Roman Catholic church in the city. It was established as a mission in 1836 to serve a congregation that was originally predominately Irish but has since diversified to include people of many ethnic backgrounds. St. Mary Star of the Sea
was established in 1881 as Jackson's second Catholic church. The present building, a limestone Romanesque structure built between 1923–26, incorporates elements of the parish's first church as well as stained glass windows, marble altars and communion rails imported from Italy and Austria.
Jackson is also home to Temple Beth Israel
, a Reform
synagogue founded in 1862 by German Jews
.
.
is the main airport for the city. It hosted commercial service, primarily under the North Central Airlines
banner, until 1984. With the "Blue Goose" aircraft now gone, the airport today operates as a general aviation facility. The Jackson Blues Festival is held there annually.
, the national passenger rail system, provides service to Jackson, operating its Wolverine
three times daily in each direction between Chicago and Pontiac, Michigan
, via Detroit
. Baggage cannot be checked at this location; however, up to two suitcases in addition to any "personal items" such as briefcases, purses, laptop bags, and infant equipment are allowed on board as carry-ons.
provides service from the JTA station. In addition to the publicly funded JTA, there are four private taxicab companies operating in town.
Michigan Flyer operates bus service between Jackson and Detroit Metro Airport running eight times daily.
Michigan
Michigan is a U.S. state located in the Great Lakes Region of the United States of America. The name Michigan is the French form of the Ojibwa word mishigamaa, meaning "large water" or "large lake"....
, about 40 miles (64.4 km) west of Ann Arbor and 35 miles (56.3 km) south of Lansing. It is the county seat
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
of Jackson County
Jackson County, Michigan
As of the census of 2000, there were 158,422 people, 58,168 households, and 40,833 families residing in the county. The population density was 224 people per square mile . There were 62,906 housing units at an average density of 89/sq mi...
. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 33,534. It is the principal city of the Jackson Metropolitan Statistical Area, which includes Jackson County and has a population of 160,248.
It was founded in 1829, and named after President Andrew Jackson
Andrew Jackson
Andrew Jackson was the seventh President of the United States . Based in frontier Tennessee, Jackson was a politician and army general who defeated the Creek Indians at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend , and the British at the Battle of New Orleans...
.
Geography
According to the United States Census BureauUnited States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the city has a total area of 11.1 mi2, all of it land.
History
Monroe, Michigan
Monroe is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 20,733 at the 2010 census. It is the largest city and county seat of Monroe County. The city is bordered on the south by Monroe Charter Township, but both are politically independent. The city is located approximately 14 miles ...
and registered his claim for 160 acres (65 ha) at two dollars an acre. Blackman returned to Jackson in August 1829, with his brother Russell. Together they cleared land and built a cabin, built on the corner of what would become Ingham and Trail streets. The town was first called Jacksonopolis. Later, it was renamed Jacksonburgh. Finally, in 1838 the town's name was changed to simply Jackson.
Birthplace of the Republican Party – "Under the Oaks"
Jackson is the disputed birthplace of the Republican PartyRepublican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
. Undisputed is the fact that the first official meeting of the group that actually called itself "Republican" was held in Jackson under the Oaks on July 6, 1854. Earlier meetings of groups that later formed the Republican Party were held in Ripon, Wisconsin; Exeter, New Hampshire
Exeter, New Hampshire
Exeter is a town in Rockingham County, New Hampshire, United States. The town's population was 14,306 at the 2010 census. Exeter was the county seat until 1997, when county offices were moved to neighboring Brentwood...
; and Crawfordsville, Iowa
Crawfordsville, Iowa
Crawfordsville is a city in Washington County, Iowa, United States. It is part of the Iowa City, Iowa Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 295 at the 2000 census.-History:...
, and all four cities bill themselves as the "Birthplace of the Republican Party."
A Michigan Historical Marker at what is now the northwest corner of Second and Franklin streets in Jackson commemorates an anti-slavery convention of men on July 6, 1854. Meeting outside to avoid a hot, over-crowded hall, the group ultimately selected a slate of candidates for state elections. The marker identifies this as the birth of the Republican Party. The site, an oak grove on "Morgan's Forty", then on the outskirts of town, became known as "Under the Oaks".
Economy
CMS Energy
CMS Energy is a public utility supplying electric power and natural gas to Metro Detroit and most of Michigan. Its headquarters are located in Jackson, Michigan. The company has operated since 1890....
, which provides natural gas and electrical services
Electricity
Electricity is a general term encompassing a variety of phenomena resulting from the presence and flow of electric charge. These include many easily recognizable phenomena, such as lightning, static electricity, and the flow of electrical current in an electrical wire...
to much of Michigan and has its international headquarters in the city, as well as Allegiance Health (Formerly Foote Hospital
Foote Hospital
Allegiance Health is a community-owned and locally-governed health system located in Jackson in the U.S. state of Michigan. It was founded in 1918 as Foote Hospital when a local citizen, Mrs. Ida Foote, donated land for construction of the new hospital in honor of her late husband, W.A...
) and the Eaton Corporation
Eaton Corporation
Eaton Corporation is a global diversified power management company with 2010 sales of $13.7 billion. The company is a leading provider of electrical components and systems for power quality, distribution and control; hydraulics components, systems and services for industrial and mobile equipment;...
.
Michigan Automotive Compressor, Inc. (MACI) is the largest manufacturer in Jackson County and its fourth-largest individual employer. However, in February 2009 it began offering voluntary buyouts to its workers, in reaction to the slowing economy.
Jackson is also home to a state prison complex, which includes a building once known as the largest walled prison in the world. Portions of the prison complex closed in 2007, including the Annex of the Charles Egeler Reception and Guidance Center Annex (RGC) and the Southern Michigan Correctional Facility (JMF). However, the five other facilities in the complex, including two in the old walled building, remain open: the G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility (JCF), the Cooper Street Correctional Facility (JCS), the Charles Egeler Reception & Guidance Center (RGC), the Parnall Correctional Facility (SMT).
Income tax
The City of Jackson currently assesses a 1% income tax to residents and businesses located within the city, and 0.5% for non-residents working within the city limits. The income tax provides $7,000,000 of revenue, or 32% of the city's annual budget.Motorsports
Jackson is 18 miles (29 km) from Michigan International SpeedwayMichigan International Speedway
Michigan International Speedway is a two-mile moderate-banked D-shaped superspeedway located off U.S. Highway 12 on more than in Brooklyn, in the scenic Irish Hills area of southeastern Michigan. The track is used primarily for NASCAR events. It is sometimes known as a "sister track" to Texas...
. Each year the facility hosts several NASCAR
NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
sanctioned races including two Sprint Cup races held in June and August, in addition to a NASCAR Camping World Truck series race and one Nationwide Series race.
The Jackson area was the home of Indy 500-winning car owner U. E. Patrick
U. E. Patrick
Ueal Eugene Patrick, nicknamed "Pat", is the founder and owner of Patrick Racing, a team that raced in Champ Cars and the Indy Racing League. Pat was also one of the founding members of CART in 1978 and the Indy Lights series in 1986. In addition, he was founder of Patrick Petroleum in the...
("Pat" Patrick) and NASCAR team owner Harry Melling
Harry Melling (NASCAR)
Harry Melling was the team owner of Melling Racing, which won the 1988 NASCAR championship with Bill Elliott.- Background :...
. Patrick Racing
Patrick Racing
Patrick Racing was an auto racing team in both Champ Car and the Indy Racing League.Patrick Racing was started by Pat Patrick with the formation of CART in 1978. Patrick Racing would win three Indianapolis 500s and two CART championships, making it one of the most successful CART teams ever.In...
was formed in 1978 concurrent with the formation of Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART
Champ Car
Champ Car was the name for a class and specification of open wheel cars used in American Championship Car Racing for many decades, primarily for use in the Indianapolis 500 auto race...
). For many years CART was sponsored by PPG. Patrick Racing won three Indianapolis 500
Indianapolis 500
The Indianapolis 500-Mile Race, also known as the Indianapolis 500, the 500 Miles at Indianapolis, the Indy 500 or The 500, is an American automobile race, held annually, typically on the last weekend in May at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana...
s and two CART PPG championships with Gordon Johncock and Emerson Fittipaldi before the team folded in 1991. The team was revived in 1994 to test Firestone Indy car tires, and won the 1995 Michigan 500
Firestone Indy 400
The Firestone Indy 400 was an IndyCar Series race held at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Michigan.Between 1970 and 2007, Michigan International Speedway hosted at least one open-wheel race in every season, hosting 55 open-wheel races over 38 years...
. Patrick Racing jumped to the IRL in 2004 and folded at the end of the season. Jackson area residents gave early financial support to Bill Elliott
Bill Elliott
William Clyde "Bill" Elliott , also known as Awesome Bill from Dawsonville or Million Dollar Bill, is a part-time driver and former champion of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Elliott was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America on August 15, 2007. He won the 1988 NASCAR Winston Cup...
, then a promising young driver who joined the new Melling Racing team in 1982. Melling Racing with Elliott driving the Coors sponsored number 9 Ford Thunderbird won the NASCAR Winston Cup series title in 1988.
Jackson County is home to Springport Motor Speedway in Springport, Michigan
Springport, Michigan
Springport is a village in Jackson County of the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2000 census, the village population was 704. The village is located within Springport Township on M-99.-Geography:...
. Springport Motor Speedway
Springport Motor Speedway
Springport Motor Speedway is a 3/8th mile, high-banked, oval short track located northwest of Springport, Michigan.Springport Motor Speedway opened in the fall of 1989 under the name of Michigan Ideal Speedway...
is a state-of-the-art facility constructed in 1989 and home to the some of the finest short track racing in Michigan.
Retail
The city includes two major shopping malls: Westwood MallWestwood Mall (Jackson, Michigan)
Westwood Mall is an enclosed shopping mall serving the community of Jackson, Michigan. It opened in 1972 and features three anchor stores: J.C. Penney, Wal-Mart and Elder-Beerman. It is managed by General Growth Properties.-History:...
west of town and Jackson Crossing
Jackson Crossing
Jackson Crossing, formerly Paka Plaza, is one of two enclosed shopping malls serving the city of Jackson, Michigan. It opened in 1960 and has been renovated in the 2000s. Anchor stores include Sears, Target, Kohl's, Toys "R" Us, Best Buy, TJ Maxx and Bed Bath & Beyond.-History:Paka Plaza opened in...
north of town.
Government and infrastructure
The Michigan Department of CorrectionsMichigan Department of Corrections
The Michigan Department of Corrections oversees prisons and other correctional facilities in the state of Michigan, USA. It has 34 prison facilities, and a Special Alternative Incarceration program, together composing approximately 44,000 prisoners. Another 72,000 probationers and parolees are...
operates several correctional facilities in Blackman Township, near Jackson. They include the Cooper Street Correctional Facility, the Cotton Correctional Facility, the Charles Egeler Reception & Guidance Center (reception center for new male prisoners), and the Parnall Correctional Facility.
Education
Jackson is served by Jackson Public SchoolsJackson Public Schools (Michigan)
Jackson Public Schools is a school district headquartered in Jackson, Michigan.-Schools:*Secondary schools**Jackson High School**T. A...
. The Jackson urbanized area is home to approximately 16 elementary public schools, as well as about 16 private or parochial schools. It also has a large public middle school (The Middle School at Parkside), as well as Jackson Catholic Middle School. Finally, it also boasts eight high schools: Jackson High School
Jackson High School (Michigan)
Jackson High School is a public high school located near downtown Jackson, Michigan.created in 1908 with the merger of Jackson's West Side and East Side High Schools and moved to its present location in 1927. The school has an enrollment of about 1800 students in grades 9-12. The school's mascot...
(Public), East Jackson High School (Public), Jackson County Western High School
Western High School (Parma, Michigan)
Western High School high school located east of Parma, Michigan, USA. It has classes for grades 9 through 12. Western is located on Dearing Rd, just inside the border of Spring Arbor Township. Sue Van Riper is the current Principal. The Parma, Michigan Post Office serves the school...
(Public), Northwest High School
Northwest High School (Michigan)
Northwest High School is a public high school in Jackson, Michigan in the United States of America.The school's superintendent is Dr. Havelka. The high school's principal is Scott Buchler.-History:...
(Public), The daVinci Institute (Charter
Charter school
Charter schools are primary or secondary schools that receive public money but are not subject to some of the rules, regulations, and statutes that apply to other public schools in exchange for some type of accountability for producing certain results, which are set forth in each school's charter...
), Jackson Christian School (Private, Non-Denom), T. A. Wilson Academy (Public), and Lumen Christi High School
Lumen Christi Catholic High School
Lumen Christi Catholic High School is a private Roman Catholic high school located in Summit Township, just outside of Jackson, Michigan, in the United States. Located in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lansing, it was established in 1968 from the merger of St. Mary's and St. John's Catholic High...
(Private, Catholic).
Education continues for adults who can take advantage of programs offered at three institutions of higher learning: Jackson Community College
Jackson Community College
Jackson Community College is a community college located in Jackson County, Michigan. Originally established as Jackson Junior College in 1928, Jackson County electors voted to reincorporate the institution as a Community College District under Public Act 188 of 1955 in 1962...
(JCC), Baker College
Baker College
Baker College is a private not-for-profit American college in Michigan, founded in 1911. Its campuses are located throughout the Lower Peninsula of Michigan....
, and Spring Arbor University
Spring Arbor University
Spring Arbor University is a Christian institution of higher education located in Spring Arbor, Michigan, in the United States. SAU is affiliated with the Free Methodist Church...
. There are an additional 15 institutions all within one hour of Jackson County.
Demographics
As of the 2010 census Jackson had a population of 33,534. The median age was 32. The racial and ethnic composition of the population was 71.4% white, 20.4% black or African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.7% Asian, 1.6% from some other race and 5.5% from two or more races. 5.3% of the population was Hispanic or Latino of any race.As of the census of 2000, there were 36,316 people, 14,210 households, and 8,668 families residing in the city. The population density was 3274.9 PD/sqmi. There were 15,241 housing units at an average density of 1374.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 73.87% White, 19.70% Black or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.56% Native American, 0.51% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 1.65% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 3.67% from two or more races. 4.05% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 14,210 households out of which 33.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 35.8% were married couples living together, 19.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.0% were non-families. 32.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 3.12.
In the city the population was spread out with 29.7% under the age of 18, 9.8% from 18 to 24, 30.4% from 25 to 44, 18.2% from 45 to 64, and 11.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females there were 91.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.5 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $31,294, and the median income for a family was $39,072. Males had a median income of $31,957 versus $23,817 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,230. About 15.2% of families and 19.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 26.9% of those under age 18 and 11.0% of those age 65 or over.
Churches
Jackson has a number of notable historic churches, several of which were established prior to the American Civil WarAmerican Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
. The First Baptist Church was established in 1839; the present building, a Romanesque Revival structure, was dedicated in March 1872. The First Congregational Church is housed in a monumental Romanesque Revival building constructed in 1859. Its congregation has actively participated in local social reform efforts, participating in the antislavery movement in the 1840s and later supporting the temperance
Temperance movement
A temperance movement is a social movement urging reduced use of alcoholic beverages. Temperance movements may criticize excessive alcohol use, promote complete abstinence , or pressure the government to enact anti-alcohol legislation or complete prohibition of alcohol.-Temperance movement by...
and civil rights movement
Civil rights movement
The civil rights movement was a worldwide political movement for equality before the law occurring between approximately 1950 and 1980. In many situations it took the form of campaigns of civil resistance aimed at achieving change by nonviolent forms of resistance. In some situations it was...
s. St. Paul's Episcopal Church was also founded in 1839. The congregation's first church building, constructed in 1840, was replaced by a Romanesque Revival building in 1853; it is one of the oldest Episcopal Church
Episcopal Church (United States)
The Episcopal Church is a mainline Anglican Christian church found mainly in the United States , but also in Honduras, Taiwan, Colombia, Ecuador, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, the British Virgin Islands and parts of Europe...
structures in southern Michigan.
Constructed in 1857, St. John's the Evangelist Church is the oldest Roman Catholic church in the city. It was established as a mission in 1836 to serve a congregation that was originally predominately Irish but has since diversified to include people of many ethnic backgrounds. St. Mary Star of the Sea
St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church
St. Mary Star of the Sea is a Catholic parish church located in downtown Jackson, Michigan. The parish was the second in the Jackson area, after St. John the Evangelist. In the fall of 2008, St. Mary Parish merged with St. Stanislaus Kostka Chapel in Jackson, which houses both the Polish...
was established in 1881 as Jackson's second Catholic church. The present building, a limestone Romanesque structure built between 1923–26, incorporates elements of the parish's first church as well as stained glass windows, marble altars and communion rails imported from Italy and Austria.
Jackson is also home to Temple Beth Israel
Temple Beth Israel (Jackson, Michigan)
Temple Beth Israel is a Reform synagogue located at 801 West Michigan Avenue in Jackson, Michigan. Formed in 1862 by Jews of German background, it grew out of the Hebrew Benevolent Society, which had been organized in 1858, and was the second Reform congregation in Michigan.Dr. Jonathan V. Plaut,...
, a Reform
Reform Judaism
Reform Judaism refers to various beliefs, practices and organizations associated with the Reform Jewish movement in North America, the United Kingdom and elsewhere. In general, it maintains that Judaism and Jewish traditions should be modernized and should be compatible with participation in the...
synagogue founded in 1862 by German Jews
History of the Jews in Germany
The presence of Jews in Germany has been established since the early 4th century. The community prospered under Charlemagne, but suffered during the Crusades...
.
Transportation
Jackson was a major railway hub from the late nineteenth century into the mid-twentieth century, and for over a century has been known as the crossroads of Michigan.Major highways
Jackson is at the junction of Interstate Highway I-94 and US-127U.S. Route 127
U.S. Route 127 is a long north–south United States highway in the eastern half of the United States. The southern terminus of the route is at U.S. Route 27 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The northern terminus is at Interstate 75 near Grayling, Michigan...
.
 |
I-94 Interstate 94 Interstate 94 is the northernmost east–west Interstate Highway, connecting the Great Lakes and Intermountain regions of the United States. I-94's western terminus is in Billings, Montana at a junction with Interstate 90; its eastern terminus is the U.S... |
 |
I-94 Business Loop |
 |
US-127 U.S. Route 127 U.S. Route 127 is a long north–south United States highway in the eastern half of the United States. The southern terminus of the route is at U.S. Route 27 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The northern terminus is at Interstate 75 near Grayling, Michigan... is a north-south highway providing access northerly toward Lansing Lansing, Michigan Lansing is the capital of the U.S. state of Michigan. It is located mostly in Ingham County, although small portions of the city extend into Eaton County. The 2010 Census places the city's population at 114,297, making it the fifth largest city in Michigan... and Clare Clare, Michigan Clare is a city in Clare and Isabella counties in the U.S. state of Michigan. Located primarily in Clare County, the city had a population of 3,173 at the 2000 census.... and southerly into Ohio Ohio Ohio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus... . In the Jackson area, US-127 runs concurrently with I-94 for approximately four miles. It is freeway from Jackson northerly past Lansing, while the freeway south of Jackson quickly transitions to a two-lane, uncontrolled access highway. |
 |
Business US-127 U.S. Route 127 U.S. Route 127 is a long north–south United States highway in the eastern half of the United States. The southern terminus of the route is at U.S. Route 27 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The northern terminus is at Interstate 75 near Grayling, Michigan... is a loop route running through downtown, connecting with US-127 at either end. |
 |
M-50 M-50 (Michigan highway) M-50 is a state trunkline highway in the US state of Michigan. Although designated as an east–west highway, it is nearly a diagonal northwest-southeast route... enters Jackson from the northwest, and exits southeast of town. |
 |
M-60 M-60 (Michigan highway) M-60 is an east–west state trunkline highway in the US state of Michigan. It runs from the Niles area at a junction with US Highway 12 to the Jackson area where it ends at Interstate 94 . The trunkline passes through a mix of farm fields and woodlands, crosses or runs along several rivers and... approaches Jackson from the southwest, ending at I-94 west of the city. |
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M-106 M-106 (Michigan highway) M-106 is the designation given to a state trunkline highway in the Lower Peninsula of the US state of Michigan near the city of Jackson. M-106 travels in a southwest to northeast direction from Jackson to Gregory at a junction with M-36 just a few miles northwest of Hell. In Jackson, M-106... enters Jackson from the northeast and ends downtown. |
Airport
Reynolds Field at Jackson County AirportJackson County Airport (Michigan)
Jackson County Airport , also known as Reynolds Field, is a county-owned, public-use airport located two nautical miles west of the central business district of Jackson, in Jackson County, Michigan, United States...
is the main airport for the city. It hosted commercial service, primarily under the North Central Airlines
North Central Airlines
North Central Airlines was founded as Wisconsin Central Airlines in 1944 in Clintonville, Wisconsin. It was headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota.-Early history:...
banner, until 1984. With the "Blue Goose" aircraft now gone, the airport today operates as a general aviation facility. The Jackson Blues Festival is held there annually.
Rail
AmtrakAmtrak
The National Railroad Passenger Corporation, doing business as Amtrak , is a government-owned corporation that was organized on May 1, 1971, to provide intercity passenger train service in the United States. "Amtrak" is a portmanteau of the words "America" and "track". It is headquartered at Union...
, the national passenger rail system, provides service to Jackson, operating its Wolverine
Michigan Services
Michigan Services is an umbrella term used by Amtrak to describe passenger rail service by three routes connecting Chicago, Illinois, with the Michigan cities of Grand Rapids, Port Huron, and Detroit, and other stations along the three lines...
three times daily in each direction between Chicago and Pontiac, Michigan
Pontiac, Michigan
Pontiac is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan named after the Ottawa Chief Pontiac, located within the Detroit metropolitan area. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 59,515. It is the county seat of Oakland County...
, via Detroit
Detroit, Michigan
Detroit is the major city among the primary cultural, financial, and transportation centers in the Metro Detroit area, a region of 5.2 million people. As the seat of Wayne County, the city of Detroit is the largest city in the U.S. state of Michigan and serves as a major port on the Detroit River...
. Baggage cannot be checked at this location; however, up to two suitcases in addition to any "personal items" such as briefcases, purses, laptop bags, and infant equipment are allowed on board as carry-ons.
Public transportation
Jackson Transit Authority operates eight routes Monday through Saturday out of a central station located downtown. Greyhound LinesGreyhound Lines
Greyhound Lines, Inc., based in Dallas, Texas, is an intercity common carrier of passengers by bus serving over 3,700 destinations in the United States, Canada and Mexico, operating under the well-known logo of a leaping greyhound. It was founded in Hibbing, Minnesota, USA, in 1914 and...
provides service from the JTA station. In addition to the publicly funded JTA, there are four private taxicab companies operating in town.
Michigan Flyer operates bus service between Jackson and Detroit Metro Airport running eight times daily.
Notable people from Jackson
- Claire AllenClaire Allen]]]Claire Allen was a prominent southern Michigan architect of the early twentieth century...
– architect - Austin BlairAustin BlairAustin Blair , also known as the Civil War Governor, was a politician from the U.S. state of Michigan...
– Governor of Michigan - Dan CoatsDan CoatsDaniel Ray "Dan" Coats is the junior United States Senator from Indiana and member of the Republican Party. He was in the United States Senate from from 1989 to 1999, retired, and then returned in 2011....
– U.S. Congressman and Senator, representing Indiana. - Tim CrabtreeTim CrabtreeTimothy Lyle Crabtree was a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays and Texas Rangers from to . Crabtree, a relief pitcher, was an important part of the Rangers' division winning teams in and ....
– Major League pitcher - Philip Campbell CurtisPhilip Campbell CurtisPhilip Campbell Curtis was an American painter best remembered for his surrealist-inspired style scenes often featuring figures in Victorian dress. He was also the founding director of the Phoenix Art Center, which became the Phoenix Art Museum...
– artist - Tony DungyTony DungyAnthony Kevin "Tony" Dungy [DUN-jee] is a former professional American football player and coach in the National Football League. Dungy was head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1996 to 2001, and head coach of the Indianapolis Colts from 2002 to 2008...
– National Football League player and coach, won Super Bowl XLISuper Bowl XLISuper Bowl XLI was an American football game that featured the American Football Conference champion Indianapolis Colts and the National Football Conference champion Chicago Bears to decide the National Football League champion for the 2006 season... - Raymond Salvatore HarmonRaymond Salvatore HarmonRaymond Salvatore Harmon is an American media artist, painter, and filmmaker. As a graffiti artist Harmon has used the tags BETA and RSH...
– filmmaker - Jack HarrisJack Harris (American football)Welton John "Jack" Harris was a player in the National Football League.-Biography:Harris was born on September 29, 1902 in Jackson, Michigan. He would attend high school in Racine, Wisconsin.-Career:...
– National Football League player - Dave HillDave Hill (golfer)James David Hill was an American professional golfer. He was the brother of golfer Mike Hill.Hill was born in Jackson, Michigan. He attended the University of Detroit, where he played on the golf team. Hill won 13 times on the PGA Tour, three of which came during his career year of 1969, when he...
– golfer - Mike Hill – golfer
- Fred JankeFred JankeFred C. Janke was an American football player, business executive and politician. He played football for the University of Michigan from 1936 to 1938 and was the captain of the 1938 Michigan Wolverines football team under first-year head coach Fritz Crisler. He later became the president and...
– football player and mayor of Jackson, Michigan - Steven KampferSteven KampferSteven Kampfer is an American professional ice hockey defenseman who is currently playing for the Boston Bruins in the National Hockey League...
– current National Hockey LeagueNational Hockey LeagueThe National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States...
player, Stanley CupStanley CupThe Stanley Cup is an ice hockey club trophy, awarded annually to the National Hockey League playoffs champion after the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Finals. It has been referred to as The Cup, Lord Stanley's Cup, The Holy Grail, or facetiously as Lord Stanley's Mug...
Champion 2011 with Boston BruinsBoston BruinsThe Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the... - Karch KiralyKarch KiralyCharles Frederick "Karch" Kiraly , is an American volleyball player who is the only person to have won Olympic gold medals in both the indoor and beach versions of the sport.-High school career:...
– Olympic gold medalist and pro volleyball player - Rick LenzRick LenzRick Lenz is an American actor best known for repeating his Broadway role as Igor Sullivan in the 1969 film Cactus Flower.-Career:...
– actor - Clarence LoveClarence LoveClarence Eugene Love is a former American football defensive back who played in the National Football League. Love attended college at the University of Toledo and was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 4th round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He played with the Eagles , the Baltimore Ravens , and...
– National Football League player, Super Bowl champion with Baltimore Ravens - Tim McClellandTim McClellandTimothy Reid McClelland is an umpire in Major League Baseball who has worked in the American League from 1983 to 1999 and throughout both leagues since 2000. He has called many important games, from post-season games to the George Brett "Pine Tar" game in...
– Major League Baseball umpire - James McDivittJames McDivittJames Alton McDivitt is a former NASA astronaut and engineer who flew in the Gemini and Apollo programs. He commanded the Gemini 4 flight in which Edward H. White performed the first US space walk, and later the Apollo 9 flight which was the first manned Earth orbital test of the Apollo Lunar...
– NASA astronaut - Jack PaarJack PaarJack Harold Paar was an author, American radio and television comedian and talk show host, best known for his stint as host of The Tonight Show from 1957 to 1962...
– early host of The Tonight Show - Alonzo SargentAlonzo SargentAlonzo Sargent was an American locomotive engineer from Jackson, Michigan who was found to be responsible for one of the worst circus train wrecks in U.S...
– locomotive engineer - Potter StewartPotter StewartPotter Stewart was an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court. During his tenure, he made, among other areas, major contributions to criminal justice reform, civil rights, access to the courts, and Fourth Amendment jurisprudence.-Education:Stewart was born in Jackson, Michigan,...
– U.S. Supreme Court Justice - George Todoroff – Restaurateur, inventor of the Coney Island hot dogConey Island hot dogConey Island hot dog refers to a natural casing beef hot dog, topped with an all-meat beanless chili, and diced or chopped white onions with one or two strips of yellow mustard. The variety is a fixture in Jackson, Flint, Detroit, and southeastern Michigan...
- Brian VanGorderBrian VanGorderBrian VanGorder is the current Defensive Coordinator of the Atlanta Falcons. He previously was the head coach of Wayne State University, Georgia Southern University and has been as assistant coach under many other universities, most notably the University of Georgia.-Early coaching...
– NFL coach - Rick WiseRick WiseRichard Charles Wise is a former right-handed starting pitcher in Major League Baseball for 18 seasons...
– Major League Baseball pitcher - Alfred WordenAlfred WordenAlfred Merrill Worden is an American astronaut who was the command module pilot for the Apollo 15 Moon mission in July–August 1971. The son of Merrill and Helen Worden, he was born in Jackson, Michigan...
– NASA astronaut
External links
- Official City Web Site
- Official County Web Site
- Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce
- Jackson Convention and Visitors Bureau
- The Enterprise Group of Jackson, Inc.
- The Jackson Area Manufacturers Association
- Jackson Home Page
- Jackson High School
- "Lights on Man-Made Cascade Colored Like Rainbow" Popular Science, August 1932