Jackson Homes Guide

Attractions

The Jackson Zoo caters to a very diverse audience and has over 200,000 visitors annually. It was opened in 1919 on 110 acres and is host to 120 different species (18 of which are endangered), 776 animals, and has 23 special survival programs.

The Old Capital Museum was constructed in 1833 and served as the state capital, the state office building, and a state historical museum. The building was turned into a museum in 1903 when a new capital building was built. The Old Capital building saw many historical events, including the passage of the first law giving property rights to women in 1839, the ordinance of secession in 1861, Jefferson Davis’ final address, and the establishment of the first American state-supported college for women.

The Governor’s Mansion in Jackson is a historical “Greek Revival” type structure where the governors current living quarters are adjoined with the historical section of the building. The governor’s mansion was built and first occupied in 1842. It is the second oldest continuously occupied residence for governors in the United States. It was used as a hospital during the Civil War and was the scene of General Sherman’s victory dinner after the fall of Vicksburg.

The Medgar Evers Home Museum is the old home-place of the Civil Rights hero who was murdered on the steps of this very home. The museum now is the place for all of the relics of his life and work.

“The Park” is an amusement park of sorts located in Jackson that is a great spot for family entertainment. It features an 18-hole miniature golf course, batting cages, race track, ice skating rink, and arcade.

The Civil Rights Driving Tour is a guided tour approximately a four hours ride through the deep south showcasing Jackson, Mississippi and its key buildings, churches, and restaurants that played a key part in the civil rights movement.

The Farish Street District gets its name from a former slave who settled in the area, Walter Farish. It is one of the “Historically Black Districts” listed in the National Register and was once the sit for many political, racial, religious, and entertainment activities and it still is. In the District you will find many quaint shops, galleries, and boutiques, along with the traditional dining of “soul food”. It is also filled with many restaurants and nightclubs and with a little more renovation is expected to compete with Beale Street in Memphis and Bourban Street in New Orleans.