Butts County was formed in 1825 from parts of Henry and Monroe Counties. Butts got it's name from Captain Samuel Butts, an officer of the State militia in the War of 1812. Jackson was the name given for the county seat.

The first county courthouse was made of logs and was located between first and second street in Jackson. In 1827, a more substantial building for the courthouse was begun, but before it was completed it was burned down. another building was soon built in its place. On November 17, 1864, when Sherman's army passed through this area, the courthouse, jail and other properties were burned down. For 33 years following Sherman's march, court was held in several different buildings and locations. Then in 1898, the current courthouse was built at it's present location.

The first purchase of a lot in the city is attributed to John D. Swift in 1827. In February 1828, there were 17 houses, 9 stores, 2 doctors, 3 law offices, 9 mechanic shops, 2 houses of worship, a jail, courthouse and an Academy. It was in 1907 when electric lights were installed in the city and in 1912 Jackson had its first movie theater to open.