Jakobstad (pop. 20,000), 40km/25mi from Kokkola, was founded in 1652 by Ebba Brahe, widow of the Swedish general Count Jacob de la Gardie. In the 17th century the area around the commune of Pedersöre on which the town now stands was a fief of the de la Gardie family. Queen Christina of Sweden revoked the fief, but granted Count Jacob the right
to found a town. After his death Ebba Brahe - whose youngest brother Per Brahe had founded Gamlakarleby and Nykarleby - founded the town and named it after her late husband. Jacobstad is predominantly Swedish-speaking; its name in Swedish is Pietarsaari, which is derived from the original name of the commune of Pedersöre.
Jakobstad is noted for the botanical garden that features classical park architecture and is one of the most northerly gardens in the world. The park was completed in 1932 and features over 1,000 plant species.