Jackson, MS

Jackson is Mississippi’s capital and one of two Hinds County seats, sharing that role with Raymond. Founded in 1821 as the new state capital and named for Andrew Jackson, the city stands on the Pearl River, which forms most of its eastern boundary. Its cluster of cultural institutions includes the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, Museum of Mississippi History, Mississippi Museum of Art, and Mississippi Museum of Natural Science; the Mississippi Children’s Museum is also in the city. As of 2020, the University of Mississippi Medical Center was among Jackson’s three largest employers. The National Council for the Traditional Arts selected Jackson to host the National Folk Festival from 2025 through 2027.