An unsung pioneer of the American auto industry is Jackson, Michigan. When it comes to America’s automotive story, Detroit often steals the spotlight but in the dawning years of the American auto industry there were many contenders’ for the title Motor City.

For a brief moment in time at the dawn of the 20th century, Jackson looked as though it would claim that crown. From pioneering steam-powered vehicles to crafting luxury roadsters and even 4×4 trucks, Jackson’s automotive history is a fascinating, often overlooked chapter in the history of he American auto industry.

The Birthplace of Jackson’s Auto Industry

In the post Civil War years Jackson evolved as a hub for industrial development and manufacturing. Farm implements, bicycles, tools, and household goods from factories in the city.

So, it was a natural progression for the city to become a leader in the infancy of automobile manufacturing. More than 25 manufacturing companies were established in Jackson.

Among the first was the Jackson Automobile Company, founded in 1902. The company with a slogan of “No Hill To Steep, No Sand To Deep” developed a reputation for manufacturing durable and innovative vehicles like the Jackson Model C.

Notably, Byron J. Carter, co-founder of the company, later went on to develop the CarterCar with innovative friction drive and played a role in the invention of the automatic transmission. Carter had launched his career as an innovator and industrialist with the manufacturing of bicycles in Jackson.

Another of Jackson’s earliest automotive gems was the Jaxon Steam Car. It was marketed as, ” A Car So Easy to Operate, A Child or Woman Can Drive It.” Built by the Jackson Automobile Company in 1902, this steam-powered marvel represented an era when inventors experimented with multiple forms of propulsion before gasoline-powered engines became the norm. Today, one of the last known surviving 1902 Jaxon steam cars is proudly displayed at the Ye Ole Carriage Shop in Spring Arbor, Michigan.

Surprisingly the corporate headquarters for Jackson has survived into the modern era with a surprising amount of original architectural detail. Much of the factory also remains but most of the complex is in ruins.

Buick’s Footprint in Jackson

Jackson has a surprising connection to many well known companies. One of those is Buick.

In 1904, Buick Motor Company expanded its operations beyond Flint and Detroit by acquiring a facility in Jackson. This plant was instrumental in assembling the Buick Model F. This car helped establish Buick’s early reputation for quality and reliability. Though Buick eventually relocated its operations to Flint in 1907, the facility’s legacy continued in a new form.

As a footnote a Buick Model F manufactured in Jackson was recently added to the collection at Ye Ole Carriage Shop. This was an important addition to the world’s largest collection of vehicles manufactured in Jackson.

Kelsey-Hayes and the Evolution of Automotive Components

Following Buick’s departure, the Jackson facility became part of the Kelsey-Hayes Company, one of the most significant manufacturers of wheels and braking systems in the early to mid 20th century. Originally known for producing wooden wagon and automobile wheels, Kelsey-Hayes later pioneered the development of steel drop-center wheels in the 1930s. This was an innovation that revolutionized automotive safety and durability.

The Jackson plant remained a critical component of Kelsey-Hayes’s operations for decades, before finally closing in 2006 due to shifting economic pressures. Demolition of the historic complex followed shortly afterwards.

Briscoe, Hackett, and the Other Jackson Automobiles

Beyond Jackson’s early automotive pioneers, the city was home to several other notable car manufacturers:

• Briscoe Motor Corporation – Founded by Benjamin Briscoe, this company produced affordable and stylish vehicles that competed in the growing auto market of the early 1900s. Benjamin Briscoe played a key role in establishment of Buick, and before manufacturing Briscoe partnered with Jonathan Maxwell to create Maxwell-Briscoe. This company would become the cornerstone for establishment of Chrysler.
• Hackett Motor Car Company – Known for its compact, fuel-efficient cars, Hackett played a role in pioneering small-car design long before the compact car era. They were an assembled car built from components supplied by a number of companies.
• Kaiser Darrin – Produced in Jackson in 1954, the Kaiser Darrin was an innovative fiberglass-bodied sports car with unique sliding pocket doors that disappeared into the front fenders. It remains one of the most iconic and collectible vehicles of the 1950s.
• Jackson Trucks – While passenger vehicles dominated production, Jackson also produced various truck models that served both civilian and military applications. The company also produced 4×4 trucks.

Preserving Jackson’s Automotive Heritage

For those who want to experience Jackson’s rich automotive legacy firsthand, the Ye Ole Carriage Shop in Spring Arbor is a must-visit. Housing over 60 classic and antique vehicles, including 16 models manufactured in Jackson, this museum provides a deep dive into the city’s remarkable contributions to the automotive industry.

A Route 66 Stop: The National Museum of Transportation in St. Louis

For road trippers following the Mother Road with an interest in automotive history, a stop at the National Museum of Transportation in St. Louis is highly recommended. Featuring one of the largest collections of transportation artifacts in the country, this museum boasts an incredible lineup of historic trains, planes, and automobiles—including rare and significant vehicles that tell the broader story of American mobility.

As you travel Route 66, it’s worth taking a short detour to this treasure trove of transportation history, where you can see firsthand the innovations that made long-distance travel possible.

An Unsung Pioneer

An unsung pioneer, Jackson, Michigan’s contributions to the evolution of the automobile are innumerable. From steam-powered pioneers and electric cars to groundbreaking sports cars and critical automotive components, the city played a vital role in shaping the American automobile industry.

For travelers and history buffs alike, exploring Jackson’s legacy offers a deeper appreciation of the roads we drive today—even historic Route 66. The auto industry in Jackson is just one chapter in the American story that we share at Jim Hinckley’s America.