Historic Jackson, North Carolina can trace its origin back to the creation of Northampton County in 1741 by the colonial Assembly of North Carolina. The location was determined in an attempt to find a central site for the courthouse. Soon after the courthouse was built, the site began its role as a gathering place for people from all over the county. Only over time and generations did a town develop around the courthouse square.

The name Northampton Courthouse was generally used for the town until 1826 when it was renamed Jackson, in honor of General Andrew Jackson, hero of the Battle of New Orleans and later President of the United States. By this time, Jackson had become a political center with bitter debates between Whigs and Democrats, especially on election days.

By the time the county seat became Jackson, horse racing and especially horse breeding had brought Northampton County national attention. In 1816, the famous Sir Archy, "foundation sire of the American turf," was brought to Mowfield Plantation just west of Northampton Courthouse (Jackson). By 1833, the year Sir Archy died, Jackson had an active Jockey Club which held meets south of town at Silver Hill Plantation.

By the middle of the nineteenth century, Jackson could be called a town, and the building that still dominates the settlement and has become a symbol for the county was constructed.

In 1858, the third, and present couthouse was begun. This noble structure is among the few surviving examples in the state of the full-blown Greek Revival, temple form, public building.

In July 1863, Jackson was occupied by the Union Troops during the War Between the States. Following the war, Jackson settled into its role as a small, very southern, county seat town. It still functions as a local focal point for people from all over the county and serves as a gathering place for citizens from near and far.

The Northampton County Museum at the corner of US Highway 158 (Jefferson Street) and NC Highway 306 (Church Street) displays much history on Northampton County. It offers hands-on activities, especially for youngsters. Several of the permanent exhibits are child-sized and range from prehistoric to current events with a strong emphasis on natural resources. The Northamptionian exhibit changes several times each year and various collections from local people are displayed.