200 years ago, Jackson became Mississippi's capital city. Here's how the city is celebrating.

This year, Jackson is celebrating 200 years since its founding, with festivities lasting throughout the year.

"Homecoming" is the theme of the city's bicentennial celebration, which is expected to highlight Jackson's past, present and future through its community members, businesses and events.

"We want people to take ownership and help us tell their story," said John David Lewis, the city's deputy director of cultural services. "This is everyone's bicentennial."

Jackson's origins

Mississippi has had several capital cities, including Natchez. But in the 1820s, the state wanted a capitol with a more central location.

A state commission tasked with finding where to place the capital started in the middle of the state, but that was swampland. Down the Pearl River was LeFleur's Bluff, which was a developed trading post.

On Nov. 28, 1821, the state legislature made LeFleur's Bluff the permanent capital and named it Jackson in honor of Maj. Gen. Andrew Jackson who was victorious at the Battle of New Orleans during the War of 1812.

In April 1822, the city of Jackson was formally planned.

Months later on Dec. 23, the state Legislature first met in Jackson.

Lewis said those significant dates are why the bicentennial is a 13-month celebration.

Bicentennial events

Several events have been held since the celebration's launch in November. They include the annual Capital City Lights in December and a King cake challenge with Highland Village last month.

On March 26, Hal and Mal's annual St. Paddy's parade and festival will return after a two-year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In April, art exhibition "A Movement in Every Direction: Legacies of the Great Migration" opens at the Mississippi Museum of Art. Twelve African American artists were selected to create art examining the impact of the Great Migration on cultural and social life in America.

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At the end of May, there will be a Jackson music festival.

Lewis said rather than having one bicentennial event, the city seeks to empower Jackson residents and host events planned by community members. More events will be announced throughout the year, he said.

Throughout the bicentennial, stories of Jackson residents will be highlighted in a campaign called "200 Souls." Some recent Jacksonians featured include Dr. Shemeka McClung, principal of Callaway High School and State Rep. Chris Bell, who represents District 65 in Jackson.

Projects to look ahead to Jackson's future

As part of the bicentennial celebration, the city has identified several ongoing and completed development projects that will be part of Jackson's future.

Here are the projects:

- $15 million renovation of the Russell C. Davis Planetarium in downtown, which is expected to reopen in 2024. Similar to how the Two Mississippi Museums opened during the state's 200th anniversary in 2017, Lewis said the planetarium will be the banner project of Jackson's bicentennial

- Belhaven Town Center, which already includes Elvie's Restaurant, District Donuts Sliders Brew, Spectrum Sip and private office space. Residential units, an outdoor entertainment courtyard, retail and Fertile Ground Beer Co are expected to be open in the space

- $5.9 million for the Museum Trail to connect the completed 1.4 miles of trial in Belhaven into downtown to access the Two Mississippi Museums and the Mississippi Museum of Art and north through LeFleur's Bluff and toward Eastover Drive

- $13 million Capri Theatre in Fondren, which opened in December after being closed for over 30 years. It also features a bowling alley and bar

- $8 million LeFleur's Bluff playground in Belhaven, which opened in December

Reporter Mina Corpuz can be reached by email at mcorpuz@gannett.com. You can follow her on Twitter @mlcorpuz

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: 'Homecoming' a theme for Jackson's bicentennial celebration