Welcome to Uptown Jackson Revitalization Organization
Our vision as an organization is to reflect that we are a vibrant, bustling, pedestrian-oriented community. We offer a variety of activities and experiences that support existing businesses and attract new ones while drawing visitors as well as past and present residents. We strive to preserve the character of an outstanding community with unique qualities to be treasured, occasionally polished, and frequently put on display.
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Our office is at 100 N. Missouri St., Jackson, MO 63755. We are available 8-5, Monday through Friday at 573-200-6542 / uptownjacksonmo@gmail.com. Our office hours are 10-4, Tuesday and Thursday.
Jackson History...
Jackson began in 1814 as a settlement on the elevated land between Hubble and Goose Creeks. Not yet known as Jackson, the original site was selected for the county seat of the newly named Cape Girardeau County. A delegation of five men were selected to negotiate the purchase of a fifty-acre site from William H. Ashley and his wife Mary (nee, Able) for $500.
The pioneer families living in the area debated what to name the new seat of justice. Ashley? Lorimier? Many favored naming the town in honor of General Andrew Jackson. At an Independence Day celebration the name Jackson was selected, and by December, 1814, lots were being sold. Almost immediately Jackson outgrew the 50 acres and additional land began being added.
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In 1818 a federal land office was established and the first courthouse, a two-story frame structure, was built. Jackson then had a population of 300 and supported five stores, two shoemakers, and a tannery. In 1819 the first newspaper in Southeast Missouri, the Missouri Herald, was published in Jackson. In 1877 Jackson was linked to Cape Girardeau by the first long distance telephone service line in Missouri.
From these humble beginnings, Jackson has grown in all directions from the courthouse square to a current population of over 15,000 and an area more than 7,000 acres. The history does not end there. Today’s growth is forging tomorrow’s history as Jackson continues to grow and prosper.