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 Archie, "foundation sire of the American turf," was brought to Mowfield Plantation just west of Northampton Courthouse (Jackson). By 1833, the year Sir Archie died, Jackson had an active Jockey Club which held meets south of town at Silver Hill Plantation.

By the middle of the 19th 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 courthouse 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 Northamptonian exhibit changes several times each year and various collections from local people are displayed.