[9] At the beginning of the twentieth century, Jackson became an early automotive manufacturing center that attracted southerners and immigrants to the city's numerous factories, which saw its population increase significantly.

On July 3, 1829, Horace Blackman, accompanied by Alexander Laverty, a land surveyor, and Pewytum, an Indian guide, forded the Grand River and made camp for the night at a site now marked as Trail and N. Jackson Street.

They arrived there along a well-traveled Native American trail leading west from Ann Arbor.

[10] A Michigan historical marker at what is now the northwest corner of Second and Franklin streets in Jackson commemorates an anti-slavery county convention held that day.

Meeting outside to avoid a hot, overcrowded hall, the group ultimately selected a slate of candidates for state elections.

More than 20 different brands of cars were once made in Jackson, including: Reeves, Jaxon, Jackson, CarterCar, Orlo, Whiting, Butcher and Gage; Buick, Janney, Globe, Steel Swallow, C.V.I., Imperial, Ames-Dean, Cutting, Standard Electric, Duck, Briscoe, Argo, Hollier, Hackett, Marion-Handly, Gem, Earl, Wolverine, and Kaiser-Darrin.

[12] Ye Ole Carriage Shop in Spring Arbor displays more than 60 antique and classic cars, including five one-and-onlys and 16 made in Jackson.

Today the auto parts industry remains one of the largest employers of skilled machine operators in Jackson County.

His Coney Island restaurant was located directly in front of the railroad station on East Michigan Avenue and was open 24 hours.

A temporary wooden prison, enclosed by a fence of tamarack poles, was built on 60 acres donated for that purpose inside the city limits of Jackson.

Within its walls, the factories and surrounding farms, manned by cheap inmate labor, made Jackson one of the leading industrial cities in the nation.

By the early 20th century, as many as 16 manufacturers of women's corsets operated here; the majority of which were located on Cortland and Pearl streets.

As elastics were adopted in manufacturing and fashions changed, the corset industry quickly declined.

Only three of the original corset companies survived past the 1920s, by changing their production to therapeutic and prosthetic support garments and devices.

Jackson has a number of notable historic churches, several of which were established prior to the American Civil War.

The First Baptist Church was established in 1839; the present building, a Romanesque Revival structure, was dedicated in March 1872.

The present building, a limestone Romanesque structure built between 1923 and 1926, incorporates elements of the parish's first church as well as stained glass windows, marble altars and communion rails imported from Italy and Austria.

Jackson is home to Temple Beth Israel, a Reform synagogue founded in 1862 by German Jewish immigrants.

CMS Energy provides natural gas and electrical services to much of Michigan and has its international headquarters in the city.

The next two major employers are Henry Ford Health (formerly Foote Hospital) and the Eaton Corporation.

Michigan Automotive Compressor, Inc. (MACI) is the largest manufacturer in Jackson County and its fourth-largest individual employer.

In February 2009 it began offering voluntary buyouts to its workers, in reaction to the slowing economy during the financial crisis.

Jackson Flexible Products, just outside the city, has been one of North America's premier custom-molded rubber specialists since 1969.

[35] Federally, Jackson is located in Michigan's 5th congressional district, represented by Republican Tim Walberg.

An additional 15 higher education institutions are within a one-hour drive of Jackson County[citation needed].

Amtrak, the national passenger rail system, provides service to Jackson, operating its Wolverine three times daily in each direction between Chicago and Pontiac, Michigan, via Detroit.

Baggage cannot be checked at this location; however, up to two suitcases, in addition to any "personal items" such as briefcases, purses, laptop bags, and infant equipment, are allowed on board as carry-ons.

The Airport is home to many related businesses, including the Jackson College Flight School, a restaurant, bar, and car rental.

Jackson Area Transportation Authority operates ten routes Monday through Saturday out of a central station located downtown.

Indian Trails and Greyhound Lines offer intercity service from the JATA station.