At that time, a log jam more than 100 miles long existed on the Red River north of present Natchitoches, Louisiana.

This lowered the level of Caddo Lake and Big Cypress to the extent that riverboat traffic to Jefferson was no longer commercially feasible.

The Sterne Fountain was given to the city in 1913 to honor the contribution of Jacob and Ernestine Sterne, a Jewish couple who settled in Jefferson before the Civil War and became prominent citizens who managed the post office and were involved in numerous civic and cultural projects.

The legend goes that Gould wanted to bring his railroad through Jefferson but the town leaders refused because they had the river traffic.

Townspeople obtained Gould's railcar and it is displayed as a tourist attraction in downtown Jefferson.

[11] Since 2000, Jefferson has been the location for the Pulpwood Queens Book Club Girlfriend Weekend's annual conference, attracting authors from all around the country.

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters.

Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.63% of the population; in 2020, its racial and ethnic makeup remained predominantly non-Hispanic white.