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History of Jackson, Michigan, USA
Journey back in time to Jackson, Michigan, USA
Explore the history, people, photographs, newspapers, postcards, and genealogy connected to Jackson, Michigan, USA.
About Jackson
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Genealogy Gifts & Resources Related to JACKSON

MICHIGAN Humor Mug – Funny Coffee Cup for Donut Lovers & Winter Warriors
Embrace your Michigan pride with a touch of humor and a splash of local charm! This mug features the playful caption: "I'm from Michigan! That explains a lot about my love for donuts with weird names and wearing flip-flops in winter."
Discover Jackson: History, News, Travel, and Stories
Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped Jackson through the years.
Republican Party was born.
Jackson, a flourishing town in the town ship of the same name, and capital of Jack son county, Michigan, is situated on Grand river, near its source, and on the Central railroad, 76 miles W. from Detroit, and 38 miles S. by E. from Lansing. A plank-road is in process of construction from Lansing to this place. The river affords an extensive water-power, which is employed in factories and mills of various kinds. Jackson contains, besides the county buildings, 5 churches, 1 seminary for young ladies, 2 printing offices, and the state penitentiary, in which about 170 convicts are employed in mechanical labor. Population in 1853, about 3500.
Three inmates of the house hung from third-story windows of the frame buildings in their night clothes for a time, when two jumped and were badly injured.
JAMES HERNES, of Cleveland, struck the telegraph wires, was whirled into the air, and fell to the walk, breaking his collar bone and left shoulder and bruising his head. He will die.
CHARLES KIMBALL, of Kalamazoo, jumped and received a severe scalp wound and injured his left hip and knee, but will...
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JACKSON, Mich., Oct. 13. - One of the most frightful railroad accidents of the year occurred here at 9:40 this morning. The second section of an Oswego special ran into the rear of the first section, telescoping two coaches, smashing cars and crushing the life out of scores of people.
Inside of twenty minutes six dead bodies were taken out and the work had only been begun. A wrecking train was just coming to the scene to shift the cars. The wreck is just east of the Michigan Central depot on the main track.
Engineer BILL WHALEN, who was running the last section, in explaining the cause of the wreck said: “I saw a signal in the yard to keep back, and had my engine in hand, as I thought, but when I came down near the train which was standing still, my...
The Dead.
CAL JOHNSON, engineer of passenger train.
S. W. COCHRAN of Lansing, Mich.
THOMAS SCROOGIE, Owosso, Mich.
L. V. BECK, Jackson, Mich.
The seriously injured include:
ARTHUR CHANEY, Detroit, both legs broken, badly cut, may die.
JEFFERSON DAVIS, St. Charles, Mich., scalp wound, internally injured, may die.
F. R. CHAMPION, passenger fireman, injured in jumping.
JOHN BUSH, freight engineer, injured in jumping.
MOTT SHERWOOD, Jackson, Michigan Central master mechanic, hips...
Cascades Falls Park: Explore the natural beauty of Jackson at Cascades Falls Park. You can take a leisurely walk through the park, have a picnic, or enjoy the beautiful waterfall. In the summer, there are often concerts and events here.
Falling Waters Trail: If you're a fan of biking, jogging, or just taking a stroll, the Falling Waters Trail is a 10.5-mile path that offers scenic views and a peaceful escape into nature.
Cell Block 7 Prison Museum: For a unique and somewhat eerie experience, visit the Cell Block 7 Prison Museum, located in a retired state prison. You can take a guided tour to learn about the history of the facility and the life of inmates.
Michigan Theatre: This historic theater has been beautifully restored and hosts a variety of events, including live performances,...
Discover YOUR Roots: Jackson Ancestry
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Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Jackson, Michigan, USA
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