Jackson County is a county located in the U.S. state of Mississippi, positioned along the Gulf Coast in the southeastern portion of the state. The county seat is Pascagoula, which also serves as its largest city. Established in 1812, Jackson County was named after Andrew Jackson, who would later become the seventh President of the United States. The county covers an area of 1,043 square miles, including significant waterways and coastal areas along the Gulf of Mexico. It is home to several major industrial operations, most notably the Ingalls Shipbuilding facility in Pascagoula, which is one of the largest shipyards in the United States and a major employer in the region. Jackson County’s economy is diverse, encompassing maritime industries, manufacturing, petrochemical processing, and tourism. The county contains four incorporated cities: Pascagoula, Moss Point, Ocean Springs, and Gautier. It is part of the Pascagoula Metropolitan Statistical Area and plays a crucial role in Mississippi’s coastal economy. The county government provides various services to its residents, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, parks and recreation, and environmental protection. Jackson County is also home to several natural attractions, including the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge and Gulf Islands National Seashore.