Jackson City is the capital of Mississippi. It is also the state’s most populous city with an estimated population of 557,385 as of year 2000. In fact, it is now considered as the US’ 88th largest metropolitan region. Jackson City was named after Andrew Jackson, a former US president.

The city also houses great museums and historic sites like the Greenwood Cemetery, King Edward Hotel, Mississippi Museum of Art, and the Eudora Welty House Museum along with The City of Jackson Fire Museum, Manship House Museum and so much more. Parks you will find here include Grove Park, Battlefield Park, Sykes Park, Smith Park, and Parham Bridges Park.

With all the attractions in Jackson City, vacationers and business travelers will find it easy to find good hotels and resorts, especially in its downtown area. Here are some of the downtown hotels in Jackson, Mississippi:

Americas Best Inn Jackson
Americas Best Inn Jackson is located at 5411 Interstate 55 North Jackson, MS 39206. It is a short 13 miles to the Jackson-Evers International Airport. Check in time is at 1PM while check out time is at 11AM. Young adults under the age of 21 should be accompanied by an adult. An ID and credit card is required upon check in.

The hotel has a total of 103 guest rooms with Cable TV and coffee makers. Accommodations include King Suites with 1 King-sized bed; Whirlpool King Suites with 1 King-sized bed and jetted tubs; and Deluxe double Suites with 2 double beds. All rooms are guaranteed with complimentary local calls. This is apart from the hotel’s indoor pool, fitness center and hot tub.

Best Western Executive Inn
Best Western Executive Inn is located at 725 Larson Street Jackson, MS 39202. This 2-star deluxe hotel was renovated last 2006. Its location puts it near the Mississippi Museum of Art, Mississippi State Capitol, and the Jackson Zoological Park, and the Alamo Theater, Chimneyville Crafts Gallery, Mississippi sports Hall and the Mississippi State Coliseum among others.

Check in time at the hotel is at 1:30PM while check out time is at 11AM. A valid ID and credit card is required during check in. Hence, each room in this hotel is exquisitely furnished and tastefully appointed. Rooms are equipped with microwave ovens, cable TV, data ports, refrigerators and coffee makers.

The hotel also has a business center with photocopy and fax services, a fitness center and an outdoor pool. Aside from complimentary newspapers and continental breakfast, they also provide free wireless Internet access and local calls.

Hotel accommodations include the Standard 2 Queen having 2 double beds, cherry-wood furnishings, dual-line phones, 25-inch TVs with Cable, refrigerators, microwave ovens, tea/coffee makers, iron with ironing boards, hair dryers and air conditioners; Standard rooms having 1 king bed, separate sitting areas with 1 sofa bed and the other standard amenities.

Clarion Hotel Jackson
Clarion Hotel Jackson is situated at 5075 Interstate Highway 55 North Jackson MS 39206. This 2-star hotel is close to attractions and establishments like the Highland Village, Northpark Mall and the Chimneyville Crafts. Check in time is at 3PM while check out time is at 12NN. The minimum age requirement for check in is 21 years old. A valid ID and credit is also required.

The hotel has a total of 222 guest rooms in its 6 floors with interior corridors. The hotel also has a seasonal outdoor pool, Fitness Center and a 24hr front desk. Accommodations include their 2 Double Bed Rooms and Standard King Rooms. Guests can choose between smoking and non-smoking units equipped with Cable TVs, video game consoles, and coffee makers and multi-phones with voice mail, hair dryers, iron and free wireless Internet access.

The Mississippi River is one of the most popular rivers in the United States. The river’s length is 3,770 kilometers making it the 2nd longest river in the country. The river begins at the Lake Itasca part of Minnesota up to the Gulf of Mexico. The term Mississippi is taken from the word Ojibwe which literally means Great River.

A change in the route of the Mississippi River was caused by earthquakes next to the fault zone of New Madrid which sits at the center of St. Louis and Memphis. The three major earthquakes which happened during the year 1811 and 1812 have caused the temporary reversal of the river. The Reverie settlement located in Tennessee was stopped from the Tipton County and was diverted to the area of the Arkansas River. The earthquakes have also led to the formation of the Reelfoot Lake.

Later on, the lower part of the Mississippi River have naturally diverted to its ending path to the entrance of the Gulf of Mexico. This phenomenon occurred because river’s channel was blocked with deposits of mud. The water level rose as a result.

In addition, Mississippi River is combined with other rivers which serve as tributaries. These rivers include St. Croix River, Minnesota River, Wisconsin River, Iowa River, Skunk River, Des Moines River and the Illinois River. The river also has sub-tributaries, namely the Platte River and the Tennessee River.

The Mississippi River is a historical site and one of America’s most valued parts of its natural possessions. It is also a sanctuary to over 320 types of birds. The river is also an integral part of the surrounding communities contributing to the economy and environmental aspect. It has been an inspiration in the creation of a cultural heritage.

The Mississippi River has also been a subject in many cultural, music and arts. Novels have been written, songs have been composed pertaining to the wonders of this river.

The river is presently one of the tourist attractions in the U.S. It is a famous place for water skiing. Historically, the sport of water skiing was discovered in this river by Ralph Samuelson during 1922. It was also in Mississippi River that the first ski jump was held in 1925.

The Mississippi River boasts of its seven National Parks which attract a lot of local and foreign tourists every year. The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area was organized in order to protect and preserve the environment of the river.

There are other organizations established who join forces in protecting the river. All joining this worthy cause are Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, Effigy Mounds National Monument, Natchez National Historical Park, Vicksburg National Military Park and the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park.

There are a lot of cruise lines which offers great travel packages for tourists to have an opportunity to witness the magnificent wonder of this historical river. Tourist can enjoy visiting the ten states, all parts of the Mississippi River. Hotels and restaurants are abundant to cater to the needs of the travelers.

The Mississippi River is not just an ordinary river. It is a historical heritage and serves a vital role in the existence of the habitats in its surrounding lands.