Established in 1817,[5] residents named the town after Andrew Jackson, a hero of the War of 1812, and an eventual president of the United States.

In 1846, Jackson contained four churches, about seven stores, and a single newspaper office.

Over the next 40 years, the town grew quickly, attaining a population of 3,021 people in 1880.

By 1880, two railroad lines passed through the community, helping to spur economic and population growth.

Jackson was the county's largest community in 2000, with a population of 6,184 people.

Hammertown Lake, the city reservoir, has picnic areas and fishing.

[11] The Welsh-American Heritage Museum in Oak Hill describes the experience of Welsh immigration to this area and their chief occupations in farming, making iron, and manufacturing clay.

[12] As of the census[20] of 2010, there were 6,397 people, 2,734 households, and 1,698 families living in the city.

33.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

32.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.