JACKSON PARISH
Jackson Parish, named after President Andrew Jackson, was created on February 27, 1845. It was formerly part of Claiborne Parish, which had in turn been part of the large Natchitoches Territory. The section was first settled by Spanish in 1776.
Jonesboro, Louisiana has often been described as a fishing haven by those who have reeled in the catches at one of the most beautiful spots in the parish, Jimmie Davis State Park at Caney Lake. Jonesboro is far more than just a fishing haven-it is a true sportsmen’s paradise. Located in the piney hills of Jackson Parish, Louisiana, Jonesboro attracts hundreds of hunters, fishers, and other outdoor enthusiasts every year. Located right off of U.S. 167, Jonesboro also serves as the Jackson Parish seat.
The woods are the backbone of the Jackson Parish economy. Everyone, from the owner of a pharmacy to the waitress at the local diner, depends on the thick groves of pines here and around the region in some way or another
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Several historical landmarks, including the Sims-Ellis House and the Clay-Wilder Home, highlight the parish’s history and culture.
The parish’s annual Wonderland in the Pines Christmas Parade, occurring the first Saturday after Thanksgiving, heralds the onset of the Christmasseason and continues through January 1st with a spectacular light display.
THE STORY BEHIND THE WONDERLAND IN THE PINES
In 1990, the town of Jonesboro held a contest in the community for submitting theme ideas for the town’s annual Christmas extravaganza. Hundreds of ideas began to pour in from all across the area, and finally a winner was chosen” Linda Matthews & Michelle Denton, who suggested theme was “Christmas Wonderland in the Pines”. This theme fit perfect with Jonesboro’s rural atmosphere, so on December 1, 1990, the town of Jonesboro, Louisiana, adopted this phrase as the new theme of their annual Christmas activities.
Since that time, Jonesboro’s yearly yuletide festival has become somewhat of a famous event in North Louisiana. Boasting an incredible 9,000,000 Christmas lights in town, Jonesboro has continued to carry on this tradition, adding more lights every year, and drawing in visitors and tourists from all around.