The New Student's Reference Work/Jackson (Mississippi)

Jackson, capital of Mississippi and county-seat of Hinds County, stands on a plain on the right bank of Pearl River, which becomes navigable here. The city lies 45 miles east of Vicksburg and 180 miles north of New Orleans by rail. It is situated in a rich cotton-growing region, and, as the railway and geographical center of the state, it has an important and growing trade. Being the capital, it is the seat of several important state institutions and asylums, Millsap's College (M. E.) and the Bell Haven College for young women. The city is noted for its beautiful residence streets, with houses standing in the midst of gardens. The great industry of the surrounding region is cotton-growing, and in average years, from 30,000 to 40,000 bales are shipped from Jackson. Among its industrial establishments are cottonseed-oil mills, a cotton-compress, foundries and fertilizers, sash, door and blind factories. Population 21,262.