The name "Adams" stuck until the town was incorporated in 1829, when Andrew Jackson, the hero of the Battle of New Orleans, was inaugurated president.

The Portland & Ogdensburg Railroad began service to Glen station at nearby Bartlett in the early 1870s, and several hotels were built to accommodate a growing infusion of tourists.

Thorn Mountain House, built by Trickey in 1869, would evolve during the 1880s into Wentworth Hall, still in business today.

The increasing use of automobiles, however, reduced travel by train, as vacationers could venture beyond the limits of rail service.

[5] Wildcat Mountain, with an impressive view of Mount Washington, is a popular alpine skiing destination that was purchased by Vail Resorts in 2019.

The highest point in Jackson is 3,870 feet (1,180 m) above sea level on Wildcat Ridge, at the northern boundary of town.

The ridge continues to rise north of the town border to the summit of Wildcat Mountain—4,422 ft (1,348 m)—in the neighboring township of Bean's Purchase.

The racial makeup of the town was 99.28% White, 0.24% Native American, 0.12% Asian, 0.12% Pacific Islander, and 0.24% from two or more races.