JACKSON.
Jackson was formed in 1831, from Mason, Kanawha, and Wood:
its length is 33, and its mean breadth 24 miles. The surface is
hilly, and the soil well adapted to grazing. The bottom lands on
Mill creek and its branches are of the first quality. From the
interior of the county, the principal exports are cattle and pork;
along the Ohio, which bounds it on the west, the people export
large quantities of staves, hoop-poles, and lumber of all kinds.
Pop. in 1840, whites 4,803, slaves 87; total, 4,890.
Ripley, the county-seat, lies 336 miles northwesterly from Richmond,
and 12 from the Ohio River, on the Great Mill creek, at its
confluence with Sycamore creek. Although but recently established,
it is a thriving village, containing 2 mercantile stores, and
about 30 dwellings. Ravenswood, 10 miles NE. of Ripley, on the
Ohio, contains 1 church, 1 store, 1 steam saw-mill, and about 15
dwellings.
