The city of Jackson is named for Andrew Jackson, a military hero of the Creek War and later President of the United States. He passed through the county with his troops in 1813. Jackson was incorporated just three years later, in 1816. It had originally been named Pine Level after the land company that laid out the new town.

With a population of approximately 5,300, Jackson is Clarke County’s largest city. It serves as a trade center for areas of north Washington County as well as portions of Choctaw County to the west.

An elected mayor and six council members form the city’s governing body. City Hall is located at 400 Commerce Street.

An active volunteer fire department here sponsors an annual Fire Prevention Day parade that’s a hit with the youngsters, who are also taught fire safety. Both the fire and police departments are located at 118 College Avenue.

The city’s medical facilities include Jackson Medical Center, several medical clinics, a dialysis clinic, two dental practices, an assisted living facility, a nursing home, two optometrists, and a group home for retarded citizens, an ambulance service, a chiropractor, physical therapists, home health and hospice care providers. In addition, there is a veterinarian and four pharmacies.