Living Jackson Magazine

by Caine Campbell and Roxane Rose

Historical Jefferson
Jefferson has a rich and storied history and many original, picturesque buildings remain and historical landmarks abound.

Jefferson was established in 1803 at the site of Thomocoggan, a former Indian village, and laid out with 30 lots around a central square. The town, named to honor President Thomas Jefferson and officially incorporated in 1806, was first named Jeffersonville, later changed to Jeffersonton and finally shortened to its current name in 1824. Jefferson was chosen as the county seat of Jackson County, primarily because Curry Creek and four springs provided ready access to good water.

Jefferson is the site of the famous as well as the infamous. From worldwide recognition as the location of the discovery of ether, to the notoriety of the Dixie Mafia, freely flowing alcohol during prohibition and rumors of an abundant drug trade in the 1960s, this quaint little city has a colorful past.

Dr. Crawford W. Long brought long-lasting renown to the city when he first used ether for surgery in Jefferson on March 30, 1842. As a young bachelor of 27, Dr. Long noticed that people using ether for recreational use felt no pain from injuries received during their “frolics.” Dr. Long got an opportunity to test his theory that ether could make surgery painless when James Venable requested he remove a cyst from his neck.

Another icon of Jefferson is the Gainesville Midland Railroad, which began operation in 1883 and was responsible for much of the growth of Jefferson as well as Jackson County. The railroad ran Jefferson to Gainesville and Gainesville to Social Circle. A wood-fired steam locomotive pulled the original train and carried both passengers and freight; over the years mail service was added and in 1901 coal-fired locomotives were put into use. Passenger and mail service continued until 1943, but freight service continued. One of the old steam engines stands today on the Jefferson High School campus to mark the now-discontinued rail line.

The Martin Institute also is a pillar of Jefferson. Established in 1818, it was chartered soon after Jefferson was incorporated as Jackson County Academy. It served as a school until it was destroyed in a fire in 1942. The arsonist, who happened to be the son of the local police chief, said he burned it because he “was tired of attending school.”

Former students of the Martin Institute, along with graduates of other area schools, are invited to attend the Aug. 12 Community School Reunion, one of a number of events planned to celebrate the Bicentennial in present-day Jefferson.

Modern Jefferson
Something old, something new. But there’s nothing borrowed and nothing blue about modern-day Jefferson! City leaders say they are embracing the past as they look to the future while celebrating the town’s 200th birthday.

Throughout the year, the city is honoring this milestone with varied events. Already past are the kick-off ceremony, Crawford Long Day and the Bicentennial Tour of Homes. To come are six more events, including Good Old Days, the Bicentennial Bash and the Anniversary Celebration.

The Good Old Days Bicentennial event, scheduled for June 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., will feature arts and crafts, story-telling for children, lunch and games. The Braiding of the Maypole will also be held since the May Day Festival was rained out. This event will be held at Hurricane Shoals Park in the History Village. There is no charge for any of the activities.

The Jesters will be performing at the Bicentennial Bash, which will be held at the Jefferson Civic Center. Tickets are free, but only 400 will be issued. Organizers ask attendees to bring their dinner and decorate their own group tables.

The Anniversary Celebration is being held on Thanksgiving Day since this is when the city was founded and will feature a fireworks display at dusk and an anniversary cake cutting by the mayor and council.

“This event can be combined with family Thanksgiving festivities because after folks fill their tummies with turkey, they can bundle up the kids and come out for the fireworks!” said Gina Mitsdarffer, one of the Bicentennial committee volunteers. Comprising the Bicentennial Committee with Mitsdarffer are Beth Laughinghouse, Glenda Blackstock, Ed Thompson and Annette Studivant.
In addition to a number of festivities marking Jefferson’s Bicentennial, Mayor Jim Joiner made a declaration that all men of Jefferson grow a beard during this Bicentennial year.

“Bearded men are a celebration of times past when the men of the town grew beards. If the Mayor so wishes, he can fine a man for not growing a beard,” Mitsdarffer explained.

Just as in the old days, fines will be collected during Mayor’s Court; however, these fines will be donated to the Jackson County Boys & Girls Club. The Mayor will hold court at the Freedom Festival in downtown Jefferson on July 1.

To memorialize the Bicentennial, merchandise is available including a gold and silver plated coin in a commemorative box ($40), a gold-plated coin ($10), a bronze-plated keychain ($8), bicentennial logo patches ($3) and bicentennial logo lapel pins ($2). These commemorative items are available at city hall and Bicentennial events.

The logos used on this merchandise were designed by Jackson County students. Designs were selected from three students, who were awarded savings bonds.

For more information on the events and merchandise, call Jefferson City Hall at 706-397-5121.