Originally named Alexandria, the city was renamed in 1822 to honor General Andrew Jackson, a hero of the War of 1812. He was later elected as President of the United States.
The Tennessee Supreme Court for West Tennessee was established in 1834 when Jackson was the major city in the west.
Jackson is home to several Colleges and universities including Tennessee College of Applied Technology at Jackson, Union University, University of Memphis at Lambuth and University of Tennessee at Martin.