Edward L. Jackson began his career as a legal apprentice, eventually passing the bar and establishing a law office in Kennard in 1893. He transitioned to full-time legal work by 1898, handling numerous cases for the Henry County prosecutor's office. Jackson's political career started with his successful run for prosecutor in 1901, followed by a term as county circuit court judge from 1907 to 1914. He later served as Indiana Secretary of State and, after a stint in the military during World War I, was appointed to the same position by Governor James P. Goodrich in 1920. Jackson's tenure as governor was marked by economic reforms, including the payoff of the state's debt and tax reductions, as well as initiatives in conservation, such as the establishment of Indiana Dunes State Park.

Edward L. Jackson's political identity is marked by a surprising blend of fiscal conservatism and selective engagement with controversial social movements. His economic policies focused on debt reduction and tax cuts, yet he simultaneously navigated the murky waters of Klan-affiliated politics, granting the Klan a state charter and attempting to bribe a governor. Jackson's approach to conservation, highlighted by the creation of Indiana Dunes State Park, contrasts sharply with his otherwise conservative fiscal stance, revealing a complex and multifaceted political strategy.