Explore Jackson's Downtown Architecture

Jackson showcases a variety of architectural styles, notable for their ornate nature and historic roles in the formation of the culture of Mississippi's capital city.

Mississippi State Capitol
Credit: Sean Pavone

Mississippi State Capitol (landmark)
Brimming with Beaux Arts décor and classical revival architecture that marked the early 20th century, the Mississippi State Capitol dazzles visitors. Sumptuous marble features and a stunning rotunda are just some of the highlights. Designated as a Mississippi Landmark in 1986 and a National Historic Landmark in 2016, it’s been the home to the state’s government since 1903.

Old Central Fire Station (landmark)
Jackson is proud of its Old Central Fire Station, an early 20th century landmark that’s worth checking out. It’s a look back at time, since it was the city’s first official fire station and operated for some 75 years. Today it is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle (landmark)
Its roots date back to 1846, but the wood-frame church was burned during the Civil War by General William Tecumseh Sherman in 1862. The current structure was finished in 1900 and features modified Gothic design and a 119 ft spire atop its tower. It’s the seat of the Bishop of Jackson, and as a working church, offers daily services to all.

Mississippi War Memorial Building (landmark)
The Mississippi War Memorial Building stands as a monument to the memory of Mississippi men and women who sacrificed their lives for the nation. The building features unique cast-aluminum doors and panels depicting battle scenes starting from the Battle of Ackia in 1736. The classic Art Deco building showcases displays of uniforms, weapons, maps, photographs, medals of honor and other artifacts from the battlefields of the Spanish American War, World War I, World War II, Korean Conflict and the Vietnam Conflict.

An Art Deco building in blue with a blue sky in the background.
The former Greyhound Bus Station in Downtown Jackson
Credit: Drew Dempsey

Old Greyhound Bus Station (Art Deco landmark)
History lives on at this Greyhound Bus Station where many arrests were made during the May 1961 Freedom Rides of the Civil Rights Movement. The Art Deco building has been preserved and revived, standing the test of time in the Farish Street District.

Original First Baptist Jackson (landmark)
The Original First Baptist Church dates back to 1837-40, when Jackson was just a teenager of a village with 600 people. The original 1844 structure stands facing Smith Park, surviving thanks to its role as a hospital during the Civil War. Today’s church is a masterpiece of architecture, a result of multiple construction projects dating back to 1924.

Lamar Life Building (landmark)
Look up! The Lamar Life Building is one of the most noticeable buildings in Jackson. Its Gothic Revival architectural style was all the rage in 1924 when it was completed. Today it’s just the twelfth tallest building in the city, but it was the very first skyscraper to tower over Jackson.

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church (landmark)
Begun as a mission in 1839, St. Andrew’s became a parish of the Diocese of Mississippi in 1843. Burned by the Union Army during the American Civil War in 1863, the second church was completed in 1903. The church grew as did its congregation, and today stands tall as a landmark in Jackson.

Mt. Helm Baptist Church (oldest Black congregation)
It was in 1835 that the oldest Black church in Jackson opened. Mt Helm began with several enslaved blacks worshiping in the basement of First Baptist Church. After emancipation, members secured land donated by the Helm family, to which it owes its name. It has grown over the years, serving the community, even housing at one point, classes for Jackson State University.

Union Station

Galloway Memorial United Methodist Church (landmark)
Dating back to 1836, just a few years after the City of Jackson was founded, five faithful people founded the city's first Methodist church, opening the doors in 1939. The plot of land on which the much-expanded Galloway Memorial United Method Church stands was purchased for just fifty dollars and today is prime real estate in the heart of Jackson.

Plaza Building (Art Deco landmark)
Jackson has some stunning architecture including this 1929 Art Deco building. It’s just across from the Governor’s Mansion – a treat for architecture lovers. It’s mostly apartment units today but still stands tall in Jackson as one of its many architectural marvels. Step back and take it all in while strolling downtown.

Standard Life Building (Art Deco landmark)
You can’t miss the fourth tallest building in Jackson if you tried. The Standard Life Building is a historic high-rise building in Jackson designed in the Art Deco architectural style. It dates back to 1929 and today includes office space and apartments. It was also the site of the first home of the Southeastern Conference (yes, that SEC).

Governor’s Mansion (2nd oldest in US)
Tour the second oldest occupied governor’s mansion in the United States (second only to Virginia) to learn about its history and the stories of those who once lived inside it. The Governor’s Mansion, built in the Greek Revival style by enslaved labor, has been the residence of Mississippi governors and their families since 1842. In 1975, it was designated a National Historic Landmark and is a favorite stop for history buffs.

Jackson City Hall (landmark)
You may not need to pop in for any municipal needs, but if you pass its stunning white facade, take a moment to check out Jackson City Hall. Constructed from 1846–47 at a cost of $8,000 (mostly by the labor of enslaved people), the building was spared by Union troops during the Civil War because of its use as a hospital and Masonic temple. Today, it’s the seat of local government.

Union Station (Georgian Revival)
All aboard! Visit the beautifully restored Union Station. Train service first arrived in Jackson in 1840 but this modern Georgian Revival station appeared in 1927. Today, it still serves Amtrak lines and you can hop a Greyhound here since it doubles as the city’s main bus station.

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Paul Wolf

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Paul Wolf

Paul is the Director of Destination Storytelling for Visit Jackson, overseeing the organization's website, Soul Sessions podcast, and travel journalism strategy. With 30 years in communications, he excels in writing, photography, video production, and podcasting. Outside work, you can find Paul exploring JXN's food and drink scene—enjoying craft beer and bourbon and savoring BBQ with friends—or unwinding in a hammock.
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