Mississippi is an Eastern Southern Central state, bordered by Tennessee to the North. Jackson, Mississippi was founded in the 19th century, in 1821, at the site of a trading post which was established on a bluff in the west bank of the Pearl River. The land surveyors reported to the General Assembly that the location was “beautiful and healthful surroundings, good water, abundant timber, navigable waters, and proximity to the Natchez Trace.” Throughout the Civil War, the town was atrophied and burned three times by the Union Troops. The city of Jackson only had about 8,000 inhabitants at the turn of the century; its population rapidly grew after 1900, being one of the go to places near the Sunbelt. It is a small number in comparison to its present population of 184,256.1 Jackson, in the early twentieth century saw the emergence of many influential individuals; once again Richard Wright was acclaimed for his description filled memoirs of harsh reality for African Americans. During the Civil Rights Movement, as the state capitol, Jackson was witness to many mass demonstrations. One of which was the arrest of more than 300 FreedomRiders who were said to have disturbed the peace after exiting their bus. Their conviction made national headlines, which was eventually overturned by the help of the NAACP. 2 The state continued to be segregated, despite much resistance, the barriers gradually began to come down after the passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Currently, Jackson’s heritage continuous to flourish and is more vibrant than ever. The largest city in the state has also now seen many African American leaders and politicians. They pride themselves in their history by conserving many museums, historical sites, and exhibits which highlight and narrate their story. They also conserve their Southern culture: music, folklore, and food. The “City with Soul” has progressed into a modern and dynamic city.3
Kid Rock's Jackson, Mississippi
1http://www.jacksonms.gov/visitors/history
2 http://mlk-kpp01.stanford.edu/index.php/encyclopedia/chronologyentry/1961_05_24/
3 http://www.visitjackson.com/Discover-Jackson/Heritage/History-and-Culture
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