Early Jackson History
Famous Jacksonians
The World Takes What Jackson Makes
War & Jackson
Having Fun in Jackson!
100
A Prehistoric elephant creaure that lived in the Jackson area about 10,000 BC.
What is a Mastodon?
100
A Jackson resident who donated her farm to the city of Jackson to make a public park. Now the park has a museum, pool, sports fields and hosts many fun Summer time events.
Who is Ella Sharp?
100
Jackson produced a wheel used for this type of transportation. Made of wood, this cart was used before the automobile was invented.
What is a wagon?
100
Jackson played a big part in this war during the 1860s. We sent many soldiers that fought for the North. President Abraham Lincoln was very thankful for Michigan's help.
What is the Civil War?
100
A sweet cold treat in Jackson that was popular at Loud & Jackson's. Now it can be found at the Parlour in a cone or bowl with your choice of toppings.
What is ice cream?
200
Indigenous people that lived in the area before settlers came to what is now Jackson. Some tribes were Chippewa, Saulk and Huron.
What are Native Americans/Indians?
200
Founder of Field's Department Store that opened in downtown Jackson until from 1869 to 1987. His store featured clothing and shoes for men and women.
Who is Leonard H. Field?
200
A new type of wheel, this rubber automobile part was important for movement. The Jackson company of Goodyear produced this until the 1980's.
What is a tire?
200
Jackson was the center of business for this type of transportation which was the newest way to travel and ship goods across the state. It was powered by steam and had a loud whistle.
What is a train?
200
This sweet treat is made by Gilbert's from 1900 to today! It is delicious in cookies, as cake, or even in milk!
What is chocolate?
300
These animals were used to pull the covered wagons of the early pioneers of Jackson. They were often attached with a big wooden yoke.
What are oxen?
300
The creator of Aeroquip, which made parts for vehicles and planes that were used in many American wars. The planetarium at Ella Sharp Park is now named for him.
Who is Peter Hurst?
300
The Yardman company specialized in making this product to cut the long grass of Jackson.
What is a lawn mower?
300
A weapon made in Jackson that was used in World War I to fight the enemy. It was dropped from planes or shot by big guns. It usually caused a lot of destruction.
What is a bomb?
300
A type of store that contained many different departments of items customers could buy. Some of these stores in Jackson were called J.C. Penney's, Field's and Furman's.
What is a department store?
400
The type of gun used by early settlers of Jackson to hunt. This gun has a long barrel.
What is a rifle?
400
This Michigan Governor walked with a cane. From Jackson, he was at the Under the Oaks meeting. He also sent many soldiers to President Lincoln to fight in the Civil War.
Who is Austin Blair?
400
A company started by Peter Hurst. These factories still make metal parts for aeroplanes and vehicles.
What is Aeroquip?
400
These books were given to the people of the country to give equal share of food and supplies during the shortage in World War II. These books had tokens and coupons used to ration to the needs of each family.
What is a ration book?
400
These were popular to use to listen to music and stories before televisions were invented. The Sparton Company of Jackson made large and portable models that could pick up many stations across the state.
What is a radio?
500
This was an early name for the town of Jackson.
What is Jacksonburgh?
500
A Civil War General who led the Michigan 17th Infantry into war. He also fought at the Battle of Bull Run, where he was captured by the enemy. As a prisoner he used his eye glasses to read a Bible that was given to him.
Who is General William H Withington?
500
This type of cup was popular with German-Americans in America. The Eberle Brewing Company of Jackson made the beer that often went in these tall cups.
What is a stein?
500
Many Jackson men and women fought in this war that happened in Europe in the 1940's. The United States and their allies fought against Germany and Adolph Hitler.
What is World War II?
500
This theater is still open in downtown Jackson today. It was built in 1930 and showed plays and movies. It was the last theater to be built downtown and had the new invention of air conditioning!
What is the Michigan Theater?
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