The capital of Mississippi is Jackson. The city lies along the Pearl River in the west-central part of the state. The site was once known as LeFleur’s Bluff after a trading post established there in the late 18th century. The Treaty of Doak’s Stand in 1820 opened the area to white settlement.
Jackson was selected as the state capital and named after Andrew Jackson. The state legislature first met there on December 23, 1822.
Today, Jackson is a major distribution and transportation center with telecommunications and government services that form a major part of the economy. The city is home to several higher education institutions, including Jackson State University and the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Museums such as the Museum of Mississippi History and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum are also located in Jackson.