Jackson County, Michigan

Jackson County, named for President Andrew Jackson, is located in the central/southern portion of Michigan�s Lower Peninsula. In the late 1820�s, settlers from New York moved there. Prior to that, it was inhabited by Pottawatomi, Shawnee, Kickapoo, Sac and Fox Indians. Horace Blackman is the father of the county and the city of Jackson, where in 1829, he built the first log cabin. A township to the north is named for him. Growth began with a decision to build a walled prison, completed in 1838, at that time the world�s largest. The Michigan Central Railroad arrived in 1841, escalating growth, leading to the discovery and production of coal mining. Sandstone was also discovered in the area, and a diverse economy soon developed around the city of Jackson, while the outlying areas developing agricultural production in the areas of corn, oats, onions and potatoes.

Jackson County�s countryside consists of rolling farmlands dotted by many lakes, with a significant portion of the northeast corner of the county part of state forest land. Recreational opportunities abound, including the Sharonville State Wildlife Area and Cambridge Park near Brooklyn. Jackson also offers a variety of cultural activities including the Cascades Waterfall Park, opened evening hours Memorial through Labor Days. Many of the rural towns have retained a turn-of-the-century look, with well-preserved buildings and decorative landscaping - a pleasant Sunday drive.

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