The Jackson House Foundation

About The Jackson House Foundation

The Jackson House was Tampa's only 24-room boarding house for African Americans during segregation. Owned by Moses and Sarah Jackson who moved to Tampa in the 1800's, they built this home in 1901. The only lodging for Blacks in the 1940's sent from the Robinson's Barbershop and the clubs on Central Avenue.

Moses Jackson acquired the property from Ms. Allen in 1903. He built his family home on that property. However, Mr. Jackson realized that African American travelers had no place to stay while visiting Tampa. He turned their home into a downtown boarding home for travelers. It was also a place of employment for the ladies of their home. Thus, the house was given the name "Jackson House".

From 1910 to 1929, Moses and his wife Sarah ran the Jackson House until their deaths in 1929 and 1937, respectively. The Jackson House was passed to their daughters and subsequently to the youngest Jackson daughter. The house was then passed on to the Robinson's, Jacksons daughter and her spouse Mr. Willie Robinson, Sr. who were the parents of Mr. Willie Robinson, Jr.

"THE JACKSON HOUSE"

The City of Tampa has designated 4 local historic districts, 48 local historic landmarks and 5 multiple property designations by which encompass approximately 4,214 buildings.

The City's designation protects those properties that have been determined to be of distinct character, architectural value, and cultural significance to the city. The Historic Jackson House is one distinguished landmark designated and listed on page 17 of the City of Tampa documents

This Two – story house hosted famous Black musicians & civil rights leaders such as: Count Basie | Cab Calloway | James Brown | Ella Fitzgerald | Billie Holiday | Nat "King" Cole | Silas Green | Buddy Johnson | Chix Well
Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.