Welcome to the City of Jackson

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com South High Street in uptown Jackson [Click to enlarge]

The History

Jackson, dubbed "the city of beautiful homes, churches, schools and parks," is a growing community with a rich history. Founded in 1814, it is also the county seat of Cape Girardeau County.

Jackson has several buildings with historical significance, including the Oliver House, named for Sen. Robert Oliver, who started a law practice in Jackson and lived in the house. His wife, Marie Watkins Oliver, designed and made the first official flag of Missouri. The home has been completely restored and now serves as a museum. McKendree Chapel, another historic building, was built in 1819. It is the oldest Protestant church and the First Methodist Church still standing west of the Mississippi River.

Jackson is the starting location of the 100 Mile Yard Sale each year, a Memorial Day weekend garage sale spanning south from Jackson to Kennett, Mo.

The city is also home to the St. Louis Iron Mountain & Southern Railway, Southeast Missouri's only steam engine passenger train. The train runs routes through Jackson, Cape Girardeau and Delta, and hosts re-enactments of the Civil War, robberies by the Jesse James Gang, and run-ins with the infamous Bonnie and Clyde.

10 Things You Love About Your City

Barbara Lohr
Hometown: Sikeston, Mo.
Years in Jackson: 45

1. Jackson citizens -- neighborly, caring, good family values, hardworking and proud of our community.

2. Jackson schools -- highly-ranked, good academic preparation and a wide variety of extracurricular activities.

3. Jackson volunteers -- work with numerous youth programs, coach youth sports teams, assist on city boards and give neighbors a helping hand.

4. Jackson parks -- a great place to be for events, for walking, for picnics, or playing with children (or grandchildren in my case).

5. Jackson football on Friday nights (haven't missed a home game in over 40 years).

6. Any other Jackson sporting event -- from high school to my elementary school-age grandkids' games.

7. Any Jackson music performance -- band, vocal, Muny Band, Rock in the Rock Garden and elementary school programs.

8. The safe, secure feeling I have when walking or driving around town.

9. Jackson's dedicated city staff and city departments who work cooperatively for the benefit of our citizens.

10. Jackson's unique small town/hometown atmosphere.

THINGS TO KNOW:

1. Libraries
The Jackson Public Library, located at 100 N. Missouri St., is open Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The phone number is 573-243-5150. The Riverside Regional Library, located at 1997 E. Jackson Blvd., is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The phone number is 573-243-8141.

2. Utilities
The City of Jackson provides electric, sewer and water services. Solid waste pickup is available for residential customers, excluding apartment buildings. For more information, call 573-243-3568. Natural gas is provided by Atmos Energy at 1-888-286-6700.

3. City Hall
City Hall is at 101 Court St., and the phone number is 243-3568.

City officials
Barbara Lohr, mayor
Jim Roach, city administrator
Board of Aldermen
Phil Penzel, Ward 1
Curt Poore, Ward 1
David Hitt, Ward 2
David Reiminger, Ward 2
Larry Cunningham, Ward 3
Mark Dambach, Ward 3
Dale Rauh, Ward 4
Joe Bob Baker, Ward 4