Jackson (Mississippi) : Crowned As One of the Best Centres for Research

Jackson is Mississippi’s State capital city which serves as the primary seat of Hinds County. It was named after Andrew Jackson, the seventh United States president who ruled from 1767 to 1845. It is the most populous city in the state and hosts some eye-catching attractions. Some of these include.

1. Mississippi Museum of Natural Science

Francis ‘Fannye’ Cook founded the museum in 1993 becoming its first director. Since the year 2000, the museum is located in LeFleur’s Bluff State Park. It features a host of animal and habitat exhibits depicting plant and animal life in Mississippi. It acts as a center of research and education. Its vast collection is a reflection of Mississippi’s unique and varied heritage.

2. Mississippi Museum of Art

The beginning of Museum of Art, Mississippi can be traced back to 1911 when its forerunner, the Mississippi Arts Association, was formed. Its first permanent home was at the Mississippi Arts Center. However, as the art collection grew, it moved to its current home. The museum has an enviable collection that includes art pieces by Mississippian artists and others from across the globe. The museum regularly holds events and exhibitions which are always a special treat. Exhibits include paintings, photographs, sculptures, and many more. It still places a huge emphasis on local and regional art. Whether in a group or alone, you are bound to enjoy yourself to the fullest.

3. Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Museum

In 1969, Jim Buck Ross, the Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce started laying ground works for a museum. The plans came to fruition in 1978 when the City of Jackson donated 39 acres on which the museum was built. The museum tells the rich history of Mississippi through the agriculture and forestry industry. The museum features a 1920s small town, a 150 years old farmstead, an operational general store and a 35,000 square foot exhibit center. It also depicts the role of aviation in agriculture through the National Agricultural Aviation Museum. The museum also has a train exhibit with a model layout that illustrates rail transport in the 1960s and 1970s and its role in promoting agricultural development in the region. Train rides are also available for visitors.

4. LeFleur’s Bluff State Park

At the banks of River Pearl is this beautiful public park named after Louis Lefleur, a French Canadian. Jackson City grew out of a trading post that Louis established here in the late eighteenth century. The park is open throughout the year. It is open to the public throughout the year. Some of the activities you can engage in while here include hiking, boating, and fishing. For the golf lovers, you can tee away on the beautiful lawns of the golf courses available in the park. The park has seven picnic pavilions and 28 designated sites available for RV and tent camping. These sites are equipped with water and electrical hookups. The park is a fine place to enjoy the outdoors and, no member of the family feels left out as has a playground for kids.

5. Eudora Welty House and Garden

The Eudora Welty House was the home of Eudora Welty, a world-renowned author. The house was built by her parents in 1925 when she was just 16 and about to graduate from Central (Jackson) High School. It was built in the Tudor Revival architectural style. She did all her writing in her upstairs bedroom. The garden is beautiful and was created by Chestina Welty (Eudora’s mother). It consists several types of flowers. She meticulously planned the garden such that there was a different type of flower blossoming each season. Visitors begin their tour at the Education and Visitors Center (EVC) west of the house before strolling into the garden at no charge. The EVC also houses a gift shop, exhibits, restrooms and staff offices.

6. Governor’s Mansion Mississippi

The governor of Mississippi officially resides here. The Mansion was built in 1841 and is the second oldest governor’s residence occupied continuously in the country. Its architecture gives a taste of the best Greek revival styles of architecture popular at the time. William Nichols (1780-1853), a native of England designed the Mansion as well as the Old Capitol building. The historical sections of the residence are open to the public from Tuesday through to Friday. Admission is free, and the guided tours start at 9.30 a.m. up to 11 a.m.

7. Jackson Zoo

The Jackson Zoo was opened in 1919. The zoo moved to Livingston Park in 1921 and was operated by the city of Jackson until 1986. The City then entered into an operational agreement with the Jackson Zoological Society which has seen the latter manage the museum since then. The zoo is home to some endangered species, and it also carries out an Active Species Survival Program. With over 200 different animal species and over 350 animals, it is worth checking out.

8. Mississippi Civil Rights Museum

The Civil Rights Museum in Jackson, Mississippi was opened on 9th December 2017. The Museum aims to promote a greater understanding of the Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi by highlighting the resilience and sacrifices of its people. The Museum features eight galleries that depict the struggles and oppression of black Mississippians in their fight for equality. The Museum is located adjacent to the Museum of Mississippi History. The twin Museums share a common entrance and were opened on the same day.

9. Old Capitol Museum

The Old Capitol Museum served as the statehouse of Mississippi from 1840 to 1903. The Museum prides itself on the state’s most historic building and with good reasons too! Construction began in 1833, but a myriad of challenges delayed its completion until 1840. It immediately became the most iconic building in the state. As the state capitol, it was the site of several landmark legislations among them Mississippi’s secession from the Union in 1861 and the crafting of the state’s constitution. It remained vacant from 1903 after the completion of the newer state capitol until 1916 when it was renovated to accommodate state offices. It was refurbished again in 1961 to become the State Historical Museum after all state agencies vacated it. The building oozes with history.

10. Oaks House Museum

The Oaks House Museum built in 1853 near Jackson’s city center was the home of James Hervey Boyd and his wife Eliza Ellis Boyd and their family. During the Civil War, the city of Jackson was burnt, and the museum stands out as one of the few structures that survived the fire. Mr. Boyd served as the Mayor of Jackson City for four terms each spanning a year. The house was occupied by three generations of the Boyd’s until 1960.

◎ Closing

The history of Jackson makes the capital city a great choice to not choose to visit. From examining Afro-American struggles and triumphs in the museums to visit the zoo, attending events and enjoying sundowners on its growing entertainment district, Jackson’s hospitality offers a backbone to its rich heritage.