Monthly Archives: March 2026

Pathways of Patriotism: Exploring Jackson County’s Revolutionary Roots.  This exhibit is a signature initiative of the Jackson County Michigan Historical Society, created to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary and highlight the community’s enduring commitment to the nation’s founding ideals. Although Jackson County was not yet settled during the Revolutionary War, its development was deeply shaped by veterans, reformers, and everyday citizens who carried the spirit of 1776 forward. The exhibit traces this generational journey, beginning with the Indigenous Potawatomi presence and the Revolutionary War veterans who later settled the region, establishing civic foundations rooted in community building, representative government, and basic rights. It also explores Jackson County’s role in major national movements, with particular focus on 1854, when Jackson became the birthplace of the Republican Party at the historic “Under the Oaks” convention, where leaders such as future Governor Austin Blair took a principled stand against the expansion of slavery. The exhibit continues through the Civil War era, industrial growth, immigration, and civil rights activism, illustrating how local actions contributed to America’s evolving democratic story. Free to the public through the generous support of America250MI, the exhibit is displayed at the historic Jackson Amtrak Station, 501 E. Michigan Avenue, and will remain on view…