**Historical Overview**:
– Jackson County was organized on December 15, 1826, named after Andrew Jackson.
– Independence, where Westward Trails began, was designated as the county seat.
– Westport Landing, established in 1838, was later renamed Kansas City in 1850.
– Kansas City annexed Westport in 1897.
– Part of the Louisiana Purchase territory.
**Early Settlement and Events**:
– Initially home to the Osage tribe.
– French trappers explored the area before it became part of New France.
– Fort Osage established in 1808 by Lewis and Clark.
– Included in the state of Missouri in 1821.
– Independence a key starting point for Westward Trails.
**Significant Events**:
– Jackson County proclaimed as the site for the latter-day New Jerusalem.
– Conflict between Mormon settlers and locals led to expulsion in 1839.
– Battle of Westport in 1864 was a significant Union victory.
– General Order No. 11 in 1863 resulted in burning parts of the county.
– Several Civil War battles fought in Jackson County.
**Twentieth Century Developments**:
– Railroads and stockyards led to rapid expansion of Kansas City.
– Kansas City became a center for Jazz and Blues music.
– Headquarters of Hallmark Cards and Walt Disney’s animation studio in Kansas City.
– Public works project implemented by Thomas Pendergast during the Great Depression.
– Harry S. Truman, protege of Pendergast, elected Presiding Judge.
**Government and Demographics**:
– Total employment in 2021 is 332,758.
– Jackson County adopted a home-rule charter.
– County executive and prosecutor elected at-large for four-year terms.
– County legislature consists of nine members.
– Evangelical Protestantism is the most predominant religion in the county.
Jackson County is located in the western portion of the U.S. state of Missouri, on the border with Kansas. As of the 2020 census, the population was 717,204. making it the second-most populous county in the state (after St. Louis County in the east).
Jackson County | |
|---|---|
 Truman Courthouse in Independence, designed by Edward F. Neild at the request of Harry S. Truman | |
 Flag | |
 Location within the U.S. state of Missouri | |
 Missouri's location within the U.S. | |
| Coordinates: 39°01′N 94°20′W / 39.01°N 94.34°W | |
| Country |  United States |
| State |  Missouri |
| Founded | December 15, 1826 |
| Named for | Andrew Jackson |
| Seat | Independence and Kansas City |
| Largest city | Kansas City |
| Area | |
| • Total | 616 sq mi (1,600 km2) |
| • Land | 604 sq mi (1,560 km2) |
| • Water | 12 sq mi (30 km2) 1.9% |
| Population (2020) | |
| • Total | 717,204 |
| • Estimate (2021) | 716,862  |
| • Density | 1,200/sq mi (450/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−6 (Central) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−5 (CDT) |
| Congressional districts | 4th, 5th, 6th |
| Website | www |
Although Independence retains its status as the original county seat, Kansas City, Missouri, serves as a second county seat and the center of county government. The county was organized December 15, 1826, and named for former Tennessee senator Andrew Jackson, who would become President of the United States three years later in 1829.
Definition from ChatGPT:
Jackson County, Missouri:
Jackson County, Missouri is a county located in the western part of the state of Missouri in the United States. It is home to the city of Kansas City, which is the largest city in the county and the state. Jackson County is known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and diverse population.