Jackson Heights, Queens that bisects the neighborhood. John C. Jackson built the road across what is now Jackson Heights in 1859. The Jackson Avenue name is retained by this major road in a short stretch between Queens Plaza and Queens–Midtown Tunnel in Long Island City. The place was not particularly high, but the name "heights" showed that the place was originally meant to be exclusive. Until 1916, the area was called "Trains Meadow", but contrary to the name, there were very few trains in the area. It is suspected that it was corrupted from "drain". The first land purchase of was completed in
James Jackson Jr. (New York) James Jackson Jr. (New York) James Jackson Jr. (ca. 1826 - March 7, 1891 New York City) was an American businessman and politician from New York. He was a member of the New York State Assembly (Niagara Co., 1st D.) in 1864. In 1865, he was Chief Engineer of the Lockport Fire Department. In 1866, he was one of the first directors of the Niagara Ship Canal Company which was incorporated by an Act of the New York State Legislature. He was Mayor of Lockport, New York from 1867 to 1868. In 1868, he was nominated in the 29th District