Meridian, Mississippi

Meridian is a city located in, and the county seat of, Lauderdale County in Mississippi, a state of the United States of America. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 39,968.

History

Meridian's history begins in 1831, one year after the Choctaw Indians agreed to vacate their territories in Mississippi under the terms of the Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek. Richard McLemore of Virginia settled first in the area from which Meridian would grow. He offered free land to draw more people into the region. Meridian was founded in 1854 at crossing point of the Mobile & Ohio railroad line by the Vicksburg & Montgomery railroad line; originally known as Sowashee Station, after the nearby Sowashee Creek; it was officially incorporated as Meridian in 1860. When the railroads linked to the area in 1855, Meridian's future was secured.

During the early 1860s, Meridian was a small community of 15 families. New growth was spurred by the town's strategic geographical location for railroads. During the Civil War, Meridian was the site of a confederate arsenal, military hospital, prisoner-of -war stockade and headquarters for a number of state offices. In February 1864, General William Tecumseh Sherman's army destroyed the city's railroads and much of the surrounding area . Sherman is credited with saying, " Meridian no longer exists."

The town was burned in 1864 by General William Tecumseh Sherman.

Despite this, the railroad tracks were repaired in 26 working days and the city continued to grow. As timber, cotton and the rails used for transporting them brought good times back to Lauderdale County, Meridian entered its most progressive era, known as the Golden Age. From 1890 until 1930, Meridian was the state's largest city and a leader in manufacturing. During this time, much of the existing skyline was built. The Grand Opera House opened its doors in 1890.

By 1900 the population of Meridian was approximately 25,000 people. The Threefoot Building, an art deco masterpiece, became Meridian's tallest skyscraper and Meridian's Carnegie Library, which now houses the Museum of Art, was constructed. Today, many of Meridian's historic neighborhoods feature fine homes and buildings typical of their eras.

The city has nine recognized historic districts and neighborhoods, including the largest collection of historic buildings in its downtown district in the state. Not only has Meridian produced architectural gems, it has produced many talented people.

One of the most famous is Jimmie Rodgers, known as the "Father of Country Music." Born in Meridian, the "Singing Brakeman" gained popularity during the late 1920s and early 1930s through his vocal and guitar music which helped shape a new musical style. Sharecroppers and railroads influenced his songs of the poor man's South, giving him a distinctive place in the music world. One of Meridian's most famous entertainers today is Sela Ward, who entertained us in the television series "Sisters," for which she won the 1994 Emmy Award for Best Actress in a Drama Series, and who currently stars in the hit drama, "Once and Again."

Geography

Meridian is located at 32°22'29" North, 88°42'15" West (32.374841, -88.704160)¹.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 118.8 km² (45.9 mi²). 116.9 km² (45.1 mi²) of it is land and 1.9 km² (0.8 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 1.64% water.

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 39,968 people, 15,966 households, and 10,026 families residing in the city. The population density is 342.0/km² (885.9/mi²). There are 17,890 housing units at an average density of 153.1/km² (396.5/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 43.99% White, 54.37% African American, 0.17% Native American, 0.60% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.28% from other races, and 0.57% from two or more races. 1.08% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 15,966 households out of which 31.1% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 36.2% are married couples living together, 23.3% have a female householder with no husband present, and 37.2% are non-families. 33.2% of all households are made up of individuals and 14.0% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.39 and the average family size is 3.06.

In the city the population is spread out with 27.2% under the age of 18, 9.9% from 18 to 24, 26.6% from 25 to 44, 19.7% from 45 to 64, and 16.5% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 35 years. For every 100 females there are 84.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 77.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city is $25,085, and the median income for a family is $31,062. Males have a median income of $29,404 versus $19,702 for females. The per capita income for the city is $15,255. 28.6% of the population and 24.6% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 40.8% of those under the age of 18 and 22.0% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

Transportation

Amtrak's Crescent train connects Meridian with the cities of New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, Charlotte, Atlanta, Birmingham and New Orleans. The Amtrak station is situated at 1901 Front Street.

Delta Airlines provides daily jet service to and from Atlanta. Meridian Regional Airport is located at Key Field, 2811 Airport Boulevard South.

Sites of Interest

The city's Grand Opera House is remarkable for being preserved little changed from when it opened in 1890.

Meridian was the birthplace of early country music star Jimmie Rodgers, professional baseball player Skeeter Webb and actress Sela Ward, as well as author Greg Keyes. Highland Park houses a Jimmie Rodgers Museum, as well as a 19th century carousel manufactured by Gustav Dentzel.

Merrehope is an historical home off of 8th street. General Lee resided here during the war, and is one of few homes that remained standing after the Civil War.

Key Field is the site of a record setting flight by brothers Fred and Al Key in 1935.