The Historic Andrew Wilcox House, Jackson: 1871
It may be difficult to pinpoint the oldest, still-standing house in Jackson...but many believe it’s the Andrew Wilcox house, located at 231 E. High Street.
Also called the Wilcox-Holton House, the structure was built in 1871 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Andrew and Homer Wilcox created the A&H Wilcox Company, a business that excelled in lumbering and building materials. So, it was natural that the business was utilized by Andrew to make a home for his family. Unfortunately, about 20 years later, both Andrew and his wife passed away, and ownership of the sprawling house was taken over by George Holton in 1893.
When Holton died in 1903, his wife Ella and son Fred remained. After Ella passed away, the house was owned by Fred. When he passed in 1933, ownership went to his wife, Marie. Marie eventually moved into a nursing home and passed in 1975.
It’s extremely fortunate that the house has not been destroyed, as it’s a fabulous, Munster-type mansion that stands out in the neighborhood. If it’s on the National Register of Historic Places, then it needs a marker, right? I didn’t see one.