The first buyer of a lot in the new town was John D. Swift of Newton County, Georgia.

During the Civil War, much of Jackson was razed by the army of General William T. Sherman during his March to the Sea.

During the 20th century, Jackson grew and industrial textile mills became the largest employer of local citizens.

The arrival of Interstate 75 just a few miles to the southwest of the city gave citizens quick access to Atlanta and Macon.

The center of population of Georgia is located 9 miles (14 km) northeast of Jackson near the Butts County/Newton County line.

Beginning in 2016, Jackson appeared in Stranger Things, representing the show's setting in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana in the early 1980s.

[13] The prison is also home to maximum security general population (non-death row).