Known as the "Gem of the Hills," Jacksonville is situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. After Andrew Jackson's victory over the Creek Indians in 1813-1814 and his negotiation of a treaty with the Creeks in 1832, this land was available for purchase from the Creek Indians as well as the US government. Several buildings on the town's central square predate the Civil War, and numerous antebellum houses and churches remain. Famous Civil War figures, including John Pelham and Gens. William and John Forney, came from Jacksonville. During the 20th century, a large cotton mill provided employment for the town's citizens and the starving sharecroppers from the surrounding mountains. What began as the State Normal School evolved into what is now Jacksonville State University.