Meridian, Mississippi
Nickname: Queen City
Location of Meridian in Lauderdale County
Coordinates: 32°22′29″N 88°42′15″W / 32.37472, -88.70417
Country	United States
State	Mississippi
County	Lauderdale
Founded	1854
Incorporated	February 10, 1860
Government
- Mayor	John Robert Smith
Area
- Total	45. A nickname is a Name of an entity or thing that is not its Proper name. Wikipedia talkFeatured lists for an explanation of this and other inclusion tags below -->This list of countries, arranged alphabetically The United States of America —commonly referred to as the The political units and divisions of the United States include The 50 states (four of these being officially styled as Commonwealths) which are typically Mississippi ( is a state located in the Deep South of the United States List of 82 counties in the US state of Mississippi: List |}Former counties of MississippiBainbridge (1823-1824 Formed from Covington County Lauderdale County is a County located in the US state of Mississippi. A municipal corporation is the legal term for a local governing body, including (but not necessarily limited to cities, counties, Towns Events 1355 - The St Scholastica's Day riot breaks out in Oxford, England, leaving 63 scholars and perhaps 30 locals dead Year 1860 ( MDCCLX) was a Leap year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Leap year starting A mayor (from the Latin māior, meaning "greater" is a modern title used in many countries for the highest ranking officer in a municipal government Area is a Quantity expressing the two- Dimensional size of a defined part of a Surface, typically a region bounded by a closed Curve. 9 sq mi (118. The square mile is an imperial and US unit of Area equal the area of a square of one statute mile. 8 km²)
- Land	45. Square Kilometre ( US spelling square kilometer) symbol km2, is a decimal multiple of the SI unit of 1 sq mi (116. 9 km²)
- Water	0. 8 sq mi (1. 9 km²)
Elevation	344 ft (105 m)
Population (2000)
- Total	39,968
- Density	153. The elevation of a Geographic location is its height above a fixed reference point often the mean sea level. A foot (plural feet or foot; symbol or abbreviation ft or sometimes &prime – the prime symbol) is a non-SI unit The metre or meter is a unit of Length. It is the basic unit of Length in the Metric system and in the International Population density (in agriculture standing stock and Standing crop) is a measurement of Population per unit area or unit volume 1/sq mi (396. 5/km²)
Time zone	CST (UTC-6)
- Summer (DST)	CDT (UTC-5)
ZIP code(s)	39301-39307
Area code(s)	601
FIPS code	28-46640
GNIS feature ID	0673491
Website: www.meridianms.org

Meridian is a city in Lauderdale County, Mississippi, United States. The Central Time Zone observes Standard time by subtracting six hours from UTC during standard time ( UTC−6) and five hours during Daylight saving Areas using UTC−6 Single zone countries Belize Costa Rica El Salvador Guatemala Daylight saving time ( DST The Central Time Zone observes Standard time by subtracting six hours from UTC during standard time ( UTC−6) and five hours during Daylight saving UTC−5 is the Time offset used in the North American Eastern Time Zone during Standard time and in the North American Central Time Zone during The ZIP code is the system of Postal codes used by the United States Postal Service (USPS A telephone numbering plan is a plan for allocating Telephone number ranges to countries regions areas and exchanges and to non-fixed telephone networks Federal Information Processing Standards ( FIPS) are publicly announced standards developed by the United States Federal government for use by all non-military The Geographic Names Information System ( GNIS) is a database that contains name and locative information about more than two million physical and cultural features located throughout Lauderdale County is a County located in the US state of Mississippi. Mississippi ( is a state located in the Deep South of the United States The United States of America —commonly referred to as the The city serves as the county seat of Lauderdale County, the fifth largest city in Mississippi,^[1] and the principal city of the Meridian, Mississippi Micropolitan Statistical Area. A county seat is a term for an Administrative center for a County, primarily used in the United States. The Meridian Micropolitan Statistical Area is a Micropolitan area in east central Mississippi that covers three counties - Clarke, Kemper, and The city's 39,968 inhabitants, as reported in the 2000 census, are governed by a city council headed by Mayor John Robert Smith. A city council is a form of Local government, usually covering a City or other Urban area, such as a Town. A mayor (from the Latin māior, meaning "greater" is a modern title used in many countries for the highest ranking officer in a municipal government Located in the North Central Hills region of the state, the city is 93 mi (150 km) east of Jackson, MS; 154 mi (248 km) west of Birmingham, AL; 202 mi (325 km) northeast of New Orleans, LA; and 231 mi (372 km) southeast of Memphis, TN. A mile is a unit of Length, usually used to measure Distance, in a number of different systems including Imperial units United States The kilometre ( American spelling: kilometer) symbol km is a unit of Length in the Metric system, equal to one thousand Birmingham (ˈbɝmɪŋhæm is the largest City in the US state of Alabama and is the County seat of Jefferson County. New Orleans (nʲuːˈɔrliənz nʲuːˈɔrlənz French: La Nouvelle-Orléans) is a major United States port city and the largest city in Louisiana Memphis is a City in the southwest corner of Tennessee, and the County seat of Shelby County. ^[2]

Meridian has a rich past and deep roots in railroading history in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. "Railroad" and "Railway" both redirect here For other uses see Railroad (disambiguation. Established in 1860 at the intersection of the Mobile and Ohio Railroad and the Southern Railway of Mississippi, the city's economy relied heavily on the rails and the goods transported on them. The Mobile and Ohio Railroad is a defunct US railroad. The M&O was chartered in January and February of 1848 by the states of Alabama, Kentucky, ^[3] The city's historic Amtrak station now includes several other modes of passenger transportation including the Meridian Transit System, Greyhound Buses, and Trailways averaging 242,360 passengers per year. The Meridian Amtrak Station is located on 1901 Front Street Meridian Mississippi. Greyhound Lines is an intercity Common carrier of passengers by Bus serving over 3700 destinations in the United States. The Trailways Transportation System is a group of 80 independent bus companies that have entered into a Franchising agreement ^[4][5]

The city was the stage for the Battle of Meridian during the American Civil War when much of it was burned to the ground by General William Tecumseh Sherman. The Battle of Meridian was fought in Lauderdale County Mississippi, from February 14 to February 20 1864, between Union forces Causes of the war See also Origins of the American Civil War, Timeline of events leading to the American Civil War The coexistence of a slave-owning South In the United States Army, United States Air Force, and United States Marine Corps, general is a four-star General officer rank ^[6] After the war, the city was rebuilt and entered a "Golden Age"; between about 1890 and 1930, Meridian was the largest city in Mississippi and a leading center for manufacturing in the South. ^[7] During this time, many of the sites and buildings in the city's nine registered historic districts were built, and most still survive today. ^[8]

The city is also the birthplace of many influential and historic people such as "The Flying Keys," who set the world endurance flight record in 1935 and developed a workable method of air-to-air refueling still used today. Brothers Fred and Al Key became interested in aviation after WWI Aerial refueling, also called air refueling, in-flight refueling ( IFR) air-to-air refueling ( AAR) or tanking, is The site of the Meridian Regional Airport is named "Key Field" in honor of the two brothers and is home to the 186th Air Refueling Wing. Meridian Regional Airport is a public Airport located on Key Field, a joint civil-military airfield located southwest of the city of Meridian in The United States Air Force 's 186th Air Refueling Wing is a unit located at Key Field, Mississippi. ^[9] Many other historic figures were born in Meridian including Jimmie Rodgers, the "Father of Country Music," Hartley Peavey, founder of Peavey Electronics, and James Chaney, one of three civil rights workers murdered by the Ku Klux Klan in 1964. Hartley Peavey is a founder and CEO of Peavey Electronics Corporation and a well-known innovator in the musical equipment industry Peavey Electronics Corporation is one of the largest audio equipment manufacturers in the world headquartered in Meridian Mississippi in the United States. Mississippi civil rights workers murders James Earl "JE" Chaney ( May 30, 1943 – June 21, 1964) was one of three American Ku Klux Klan ( KKK) is the name of several past and present secret domestic terrorist organizations in the United States, generally in the southern states that are

Since the 1950s, the city's population has been declining slowly,^[10] but the decline has slowed somewhat after an annexation in 2006^[11] and the arrival of numerous displaced coastal residents after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Annexation ( Latin ad, to and nexus, joining is the legal incorporation of some territory into another geo-political entity (either adjacent or non-contiguous Hurricane Katrina of the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season was the costliest hurricane, as well as one of the five deadliest in the history of the United States ^[12] The reason for this continuous population decrease lies in economic struggles. After the decline of the railroad industry, the city has struggled to create a modern economy based on newer industries. ^[8] In 2003 Mainstreet Meridian, an organization in the city, launched its "Vision 2003" program to attempt to restore downtown to its original prosperity by means of a new, modern economy. ^[13]

History

Foundation

Location of Former Choctaw Nation in Mississippi

The area which is now Meridian was originally inhabited by the Choctaw Indians. The Choctaw are a Native American people originally from the Southeastern United States ( Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana) Native Americans in the United States are the indigenous peoples from the regions of North America now encompassed by the continental United States Under pressure from the US government, the Choctaw agreed to removal from all lands east of the Mississippi River under the terms of the Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek in 1830. Indian Removal was a nineteenth century policy of the government of the United States to ethnically cleanse Native American tribes living east of the Mississippi The Mississippi River is the second longest River in the United States, with a length of from its source in Lake Itasca in Minnesota to See also Choctaw The Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek was a Treaty signed on September 27, 1830 (and proclaimed on 24 February ^[7] Although many Choctaws moved to present-day Oklahoma, a significant number of others chose to stay in their homeland, citing Article XIV of the treaty. Oklahoma ( is a state located in the South Central region of the United States of America. ^[14] Today, most Choctaws in the area live on the Indian Reservation in Choctaw, MS, 35 mi (56 km) northwest of the city. An Indian reservation is an area of land managed by a Native American Tribe under the United States Department of the Interior's Bureau Choctaw is an unincorporated community in Neshoba County, Mississippi, United States. After the treaty was ratified, European-American settlers rapidly began to move into the area. A European American (Euro-American is a person who resides in the United States and is either from Europe or is the descendant of European immigrants In 1831, only a year after the treaty was signed, a Virginian named Richard McLemore became the first settler of Meridian. The Commonwealth of Virginia ( is an American state ^[7] McLemore owned most of the land in the area, and his plantation home was the only notable residence in the vicinity at the time. Plantation was an early method of colonization in which settlers were 'planted' abroad in order to establish a permanent or semi-permanent colonial base ^[15] To attract more settlers to the region and develop the area, McLemore began offering free land to newcomers. ^[8]

A monument in Rose Hill Cemetery honoring Lewis A. Ragsdale, one of the founders of Meridian.

In 1853, around the time that construction of the Mobile and Ohio Railroad began in the area, most of Richard McLemore's land was bought by Lewis A. The Mobile and Ohio Railroad is a defunct US railroad. The M&O was chartered in January and February of 1848 by the states of Alabama, Kentucky, Ragsdale, a lawyer from Alabama. Alabama (formally the State of Alabama;) is a State located in the southern region of the United States of America. John T. Ball, a merchant from Kemper County, bought the remaining 80 acres. Kemper County is a County located in the US state of Mississippi. ^[15] Ragsdale and Ball, now known as the founders of the city,^[16] began to compete with each other by laying out lots for new development on their respective land sections. In Real estate, a lot is a tract or parcel of Land owned or meant to be owned by some Owner (s Ball laid his streets parallel to the railroad, and Ragsdale chose to use true compass headings. This competition is evident today in the angles at which some streets meet in the city. ^[17]

Ball soon erected a small wooden station house and coerced the owners of the Mobile and Ohio Railroad to grant depot privileges to the site. The owners agreed, provided the station was constructed according to their specifications and was furnished at the community's expense. Mobile and Ohio named the station Sowashee Station after the nearby Sowashee Creek. For nearly two years, though, the site was treated as a mere flag station and denied ordinary station accommodations while the expense of station maintenance fell on Ball himself. In Public transport, a request stop or flag stop describes a stopping point at which trains or buses stop only on an as-needed basis that is only if there are passengers Fierce competition continued between Ball and Ragsdale; Ragsdale wanted to name the new settlement Ragsdale City, and Ball (along with most citizens) supported Meridian. ^[18]

Meanwhile, the Southern Railway of Mississippi was being constructed eastward out of Jackson, Mississippi. The Southern Railway is a former United States Railroad. It was the product of nearly 150 predecessor lines that were combined reorganized and recombined beginning The railroad was planned to cross the Mobile and Ohio Railroad at Enterprise, Mississippi, but railroad administration could not obtain cooperation from Enterprise officials. Enterprise is a town in Clarke County, Mississippi, United States. Businessmen in Sowashee were more than eager for this economic opportunity and convinced Southern to cross there instead. After persuasion from Ball and other citizens of the city, William Crosby Smedes, the president of the Southern Railway, suggested to the owners of the Mobile and Ohio that Sowashee be renamed Meridian. The Mobile and Ohio accepted the name, and the town was officially incorporated as Meridian on February 10, 1860. Events 1355 - The St Scholastica's Day riot breaks out in Oxford, England, leaving 63 scholars and perhaps 30 locals dead Year 1860 ( MDCCLX) was a Leap year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Leap year starting ^[15][18]

Civil War Era

See also: Battle of Meridian

Union General William Tecumseh Sherman

When the American Civil War began in 1861, Meridian was a small village with several stores and hotels and two churches, one Baptist and one Methodist, which shared a Sunday School service. The Battle of Meridian was fought in Lauderdale County Mississippi, from February 14 to February 20 1864, between Union forces Causes of the war See also Origins of the American Civil War, Timeline of events leading to the American Civil War The coexistence of a slave-owning South " Sunday school " is the generic name for many different types of Religious education pursued on Sundays by various denominations An academy had also been built, and the school was in full operation. The town's strategic position at the railroad junction led to the construction of a Confederate arsenal, military hospital, and prisoner-of-war stockade, as well as the headquarters for a number of state offices. The War Department was established by the Confederate Congress in an act on February 21, 1861. ^[15]

After the 1863 Vicksburg campaign, Union forces under General William Tecumseh Sherman turned eastward toward the city to begin what would later be called the Battle of Meridian. Background See also [[Vicksburg Campaign]] After crossing the Mississippi south of Vicksburg at Bruinsburg and driving northeast Grant had won battles at In the United States Army, United States Air Force, and United States Marine Corps, general is a four-star General officer rank The Battle of Meridian was fought in Lauderdale County Mississippi, from February 14 to February 20 1864, between Union forces ^[7] Because of several feints and other confusing maneuvers performed by Sherman, Lieutenant General Leonidas Polk, leader of Confederate troops in the city, was convinced Sherman was headed not for Meridian but for Mobile, Alabama, so he decided to fall back to Demopolis, Alabama, and prepare for a rear attack, leaving the city and its surrounding territory to the mercy of the enemy. Feint is a French term that entered English from the discipline of Fencing. This article is about a United States military rank For other countries that use a similar rank see Lieutenant General. Leonidas Polk ( April 10, 1806 &ndash June 14, 1864) was a Confederate general who was once a planter in Maury County Tennessee The War Department was established by the Confederate Congress in an act on February 21, 1861. Demopolis is the largest city in Marengo County, Alabama, United States. ^[19]

Sherman reached Meridian on February 14, 1864. Events 842 - Charles the Bald and Louis the German swear the Oaths of Strasbourg in the French and German Year 1864 ( MDCCCLXIV) was a Leap year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Leap year He and his army waited in the city for Brigadier General William Sooy Smith, whom Sherman had ordered to lead a small cavalry from Tennessee to rendezvous in the city and continue into Alabama. In the United States Army, the United States Marine Corps and the United States Air Force, brigadier general is a one-star General William Sooy Smith ( July 22 1830 &ndash March 4 1916) Early life and career Smith was born in Tarlton Ohio, and He gave up after a week and returned to Vicksburg on February 20. Events 1472 - Orkney and Shetland are left by Norway to Scotland, due to a Dowry payment While he and his army were waiting, Sherman ordered his troops "to wipe the appointed meeting place off the map" by destroying the railroads and burning much of the area to the ground. After the destruction of the city, Sherman is reported to have said, "Meridian with its depots, store-houses, arsenal, hospitals, offices, hotels, and cantonments no longer exists. "^[6] Despite the destruction, the railroad lines in the city were repaired only 26 working days after the battle. ^[7]

Meridian's "Golden Age"

The town experienced a boom in the aftermath of the Civil War and entered a "Golden Age" around the turn of the 20th century. The railroads in the area provided for a means of transportation and an influx of industries, which caused a population boom. The 1870 population of 2,709 almost tripled by 1885 to around 8,000 and nearly doubled again to 15,000 by 1898. By 1906 the population had almost doubled again to reach 28,000. ^[8] Between 1890 and 1930 Meridian was the largest city in Mississippi and a leading center for manufacturing in the South. Mississippi ( is a state located in the Deep South of the United States Manufacturing (from Latin manu factura, "making by hand" is the use of tools and labor to make things for use or sale ^[7]

Wechsler School, the first brick public school for blacks in the state

Industry profits helped finance the construction of most of the city's major buildings, including the Grand Opera House, which opened in 1890. Wechsler School is a historic school in Meridian Mississippi erected in 1894 The Grand Opera House (now MSU Riley Center for Education and Performing Arts) is a former Opera house in Meridian Mississippi. The opera house, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was renovated in 2006 along with the neighboring Marks-Rothenberg Department Store into an upscale theater and conference center and renamed "The Mississippi State University Riley Center for Education and Performing Arts. The National Register of Historic Places (NRHP is the United States government's official list of districts sites buildings structures and objects deemed worthy of "^[7]

In 1894 the Wechsler School was built as the first brick public school building in the state for African-American children, after the full community passed a bond issue to build the substantial school. Wechsler School is a historic school in Meridian Mississippi erected in 1894 The term public school has two distinct (and virtually opposite meanings depending on the location of usage in the United States, Australia and The school served the city until 1978. Since then, the building has been used by a variety of community organizations. The school was added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 15, 1991, and in 1994 ownership of the building was transferred to the Wechsler Community Art Association. The National Register of Historic Places (NRHP is the United States government's official list of districts sites buildings structures and objects deemed worthy of Events 1099 - First Crusade: Christian soldiers take the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem after the final Year 1991 ( MCMXCI) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar. The association has a multi-year plan to renovate the building for extended community use. ^[20]

Meridian Museum of Art, formerly one of Meridian's Carnegie libraries

With funding from the national philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, two Carnegie libraries were built in 1913 — one for whites and one for African Americans in the segregated society. Meridian Museum of Art is an Art museum located at 628 25th Avenue Meridian Mississippi. For other uses see Carnegie Library (disambiguation, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Free Library and Carnegie Public Library For other uses see Carnegie Library (disambiguation, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Free Library and Carnegie Public Library The library for whites was established in a building originally owned by members of the First Presbyterian Church of Meridian, who sold it to the city on September 25, 1911. First Presbyterian Church of Meridian is a historic Church in Meridian Mississippi, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places on Events 303 - On a voyage preaching the Gospel, Saint Fermin of Pamplona is beheaded in Amiens, France Year 1911 ( MCMXI) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year ^[21] The city used the library until 1970, when it was converted into the Meridian Museum of Art. Meridian Museum of Art is an Art museum located at 628 25th Avenue Meridian Mississippi. The library for African Americans was built at 13th Street and 28th Avenue on land donated by St. Paul Methodist Church. Methodism is a movement within Protestant Christianity represented by a number of denominations and organizations ^[22][23] Despite the demolition of the former African-American library on May 28, 2008,^[23] both buildings are currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Events 585 BC - A Solar eclipse occurs as predicted by Greek philosopher and scientist Thales, while Alyattes is battling 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common The National Register of Historic Places (NRHP is the United States government's official list of districts sites buildings structures and objects deemed worthy of ^[24]

In 1929 the Threefoot Building, Meridian's tallest skyscraper, was built in the Art Deco architectural style. The Threefoot Building is a historic building located in downtown Meridian Mississippi. Art Deco was a popular international design movement from 1925 until 1939 affecting the decorative arts such as Architecture, Interior design, and Industrial Today, the historic building, located adjacent to the Grand Opera House, is an important city landmark and is a contributing building within the Meridian Downtown Historic District, one of nine recognized historic districts in the city. ^[7]

The city's population continued to climb until it peaked in the 1950s. The decline of the railroad industry caused significant job losses, whose combined economic impact resulted in a population decline as workers left for other areas. The population has since continued to decrease as the city has struggled to create a modern economy based on newer industries. ^[8]

Civil Rights

See also: Mississippi civil rights workers murders

Andrew Goodman, James Chaney, and Michael Schwerner

During the height of the American Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, Meridian was a major center of organizing and activism. The Mississippi Civil Rights Workers Murders involved the 1964 slayings of three political activists during the American Civil Rights Movement. Mississippi civil rights workers murders Andrew Goodman ( November 23, 1943 &ndash June 21, 1964) was one of three American Mississippi civil rights workers murders James Earl "JE" Chaney ( May 30, 1943 – June 21, 1964) was one of three American Mississippi civil rights workers murders Michael Henry Schwerner ( November 6, 1939 – June 21, 1964) was one of three CORE field The American Civil Rights Movement (1955–1968 refers to the reform movements in the United States aimed at abolishing racial discrimination against African The Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) had a field office there, with members including James Chaney and other local residents, along with Michael and Rita Schwerner and Andrew Goodman, volunteers from the North. Mississippi civil rights workers murders James Earl "JE" Chaney ( May 30, 1943 – June 21, 1964) was one of three American Mississippi civil rights workers murders Michael Henry Schwerner ( November 6, 1939 – June 21, 1964) was one of three CORE field Mississippi civil rights workers murders Andrew Goodman ( November 23, 1943 &ndash June 21, 1964) was one of three American They worked on creating a community center, preparing people in the area for voter registration to regain the power to vote, and organizing a boycott of a variety store that had yet to hire its first black. ^[25]

The activism was not widely accepted among whites in the area; it caused great tension between not only white and black citizens of Meridian, but whites and blacks throughout the South. The Caucasian race, sometimes the Caucasoid race, is a term of Racial classification, coined around 1800 by Johann Friedrich Blumenbach for the " Racial tension often translated to violence. In June 1964 Chaney, Schwerner and Goodman went to Neshoba County, Mississippi to meet with members of a black church which had been bombed and burned. Neshoba County is a County located in the US state of Mississippi. The three young men disappeared that night on their way back to Meridian. ^[25]

Two months later authorities discovered the bodies of the men buried in an earthen dam. The federal government indicted seventeen Klansmen, and tried ten for conspiracy under the Force Act of 1870. Ku Klux Klan ( KKK) is the name of several past and present secret domestic terrorist organizations in the United States, generally in the southern states that are Force Acts can refer to several groups of acts passed by the United States Congress. Seven men were convicted and three were acquitted. ^[26] In 2005 the case was reopened; Edgar Ray Killen, a Klansman, was convicted of three counts of manslaughter and sentenced to three terms of 20 years each. Edgar Ray "Preacher" Killen (born 17 January 1925) is an American former Ku Klux Klan organizer who conspired to kill three Manslaughter is a legal term for the killing of a human being in a manner considered by law as less culpable than Murder. ^[27]

The murders of Chaney, Schwerner, and Goodman — along with years of work from other activists — helped gain national support for Federal legislation to end segregation and protect civil and voting rights of all citizens. The Mississippi Civil Rights Workers Murders involved the 1964 slayings of three political activists during the American Civil Rights Movement. Meridian later honored Chaney by renaming a portion of 49th Ave after him. The city has also held a Mississippi Civil Rights Martyrs Memorial Service each year since 1964^[28] and built a memorial at his gravesite located in Okatibee Cemetery, by Okatibee Baptist Church. ^[29]

Revitalization

Meridian's Grand Opera House, renovated in 2006

Currently Meridian is undergoing a major effort to revitalize downtown. The Grand Opera House (now MSU Riley Center for Education and Performing Arts) is a former Opera house in Meridian Mississippi. The project owes its beginning to the construction of a new Amtrak Station in 1997. The Meridian Amtrak Station is located on 1901 Front Street Meridian Mississippi. The construction of the Amtrak station and linking of transportation modes sparked a citywide effort to restore downtown to its lively prosperity of the early 20th century. ^[3]

In 2001, the Rosenbaum Building was renovated and reopened containing condominiums on the upper floors and retail stores on the street level. A condominium, or condo, is a form of Housing tenure and other Real property where a specified part of a piece of real estate (usually of an apartment Weidmann's restaurant, built around 1870, was sold to a group of local investors and reopened in fall 2002 after extensive renovations. Autumn (also known as fall in North American English) is one of the four Temperate Seasons Autumn marks the transition from Summer ^[30]

The Threefoot Building, currently awaiting renovation. The Threefoot Building is a historic building located in downtown Meridian Mississippi.

In 2003, Mainstreet Meridian launched a program called "Vision 2003," prioritizing the continued revitalization of downtown. Mainstreet Meridian, along with The Riley Foundation, helped renovate the historic Grand Opera House in 2006 into the "Mississippi State University Riley Center for Education and the Performing Arts. The Grand Opera House (now MSU Riley Center for Education and Performing Arts) is a former Opera house in Meridian Mississippi. " A 6-story parking garage, built to provide parking for the future Riley Center, opened in 2005. ^[13][30]

Plans are underway to renovate the Threefoot Building into an upscale hotel before the end of 2009. The Threefoot Building is a historic building located in downtown Meridian Mississippi. The demolition phase is set to begin around June 2008, and construction should begin at the end of the same year. The renovation is estimated to take 15 to 18 months to complete if all financing goes as planned. ^[31]

Other designed and proposed projects in the city include bridge improvements in several locations throughout the city, including the 22nd Avenue bridge, the "gateway to downtown. " The city has also proposed building several museums in downtown and an African-American Business District on 5th Street, as well as several murals and public arts projects on various buildings' facades. ^[32] Mainstreet Meridian also plans to increase residential housing and create more night time activities in the city. More downtown property and business owner involvement is also encouraged. ^[13]

Historic Districts

Meridian contains nine registered historic districts illustrating the city's rich history. A historic district in the United States is a group of buildings properties or sites that have been designated by one of several entities on different levels as historically or architecturally One district, the Meridian Downtown Historic District, is a combination of two older districts, the Meridian Urban Center Historic District and the Union Station Historic District. Meridian Downtown Historic District is a Historic District in Meridian Mississippi, added to the National Register of Historic Places on January Meridian Urban Center Historic District is a Historic district in Meridian Mississippi, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places on Union Station Historic District (originally added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 as the Meridian Depot District) is a Historic district Many architectural styles are present in the districts, most from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, Italianate, Art Deco, Late Victorian, and Bungalow. The Queen Anne Style is a style of architecture, furniture and decoration that reached its greatest popularity in the last quarter of the 19th century manifesting itself in The Colonial Revival was a Nationalistic Architectural style and Interior design movement in the United States. In the course of the history of Classical architecture, an Italianate style of architecture was a distinct nineteenth-century phase in which Italian sixteenth-century Art Deco was a popular international design movement from 1925 until 1939 affecting the decorative arts such as Architecture, Interior design, and Industrial The term Victorian architecture can refer to one of a number of Architectural styles predominantly employed during the Victorian era. A bungalow (બંગલો baṅglo, बंगला baṅglā) is a type of single-storey House that originated in India. The districts are:^[24][33]

 1  East End Historic District — roughly bounded by 18th St, 11th Ave, 14th St, 14th Ave, 5th St, and 17th Ave. East End Historic District is a Historic district in Meridian Mississippi. The district was added to the National Register of Historic Places on August 21, 1987. The National Register of Historic Places (NRHP is the United States government's official list of districts sites buildings structures and objects deemed worthy of Events 1192 - Minamoto Yoritomo becomes Seii Tai Shōgun and the De facto ruler of Japan. Year 1987 ( MCMLXXXVII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link displays 1987 Gregorian calendar) Its significance lies in its large collection of late 19th and early 20th century Queen Anne and Colonial Revival style cottages built during Meridian's "Golden Age. The Queen Anne Style is a style of architecture, furniture and decoration that reached its greatest popularity in the last quarter of the 19th century manifesting itself in The Colonial Revival was a Nationalistic Architectural style and Interior design movement in the United States. "

 2  Highlands Historic District — bounded by 15th St, 34th Ave, 19th St, and 36th Ave. Highlands Historic District is a Historic district in Meridian Mississippi that was listed on the U ^[8] The district grew from the introduction of Meridian's light rail streetcar system in 1883. For specific light rail systems many of which use the words "light rail" as part of their name see List of light-rail transit systems. A tram, tramcar, trolley, trolley car, or streetcar is a railborne vehicle, of lighter weight and construction than a Train The streetcar line began on 8th Street, continued up 34th Avenue, then turned west between 19th and 20th Streets and continued into Highland Park, just outside the western boundary of the district. Highland Park is a historic park in Meridian Mississippi. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 the park houses a Jimmie Rodgers museum The streetcar line provided transportation in and to the area that allowed it to develop. The district was added to the National Register of Historic Places on August 21, 1987. The National Register of Historic Places (NRHP is the United States government's official list of districts sites buildings structures and objects deemed worthy of Events 1192 - Minamoto Yoritomo becomes Seii Tai Shōgun and the De facto ruler of Japan. Year 1987 ( MCMLXXXVII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link displays 1987 Gregorian calendar)

 3  Meridian Downtown Historic District — runs from railroad tracks north to 6th St between 18th and 26th Ave, excluding Ragsdale Survey Block 71. Meridian Downtown Historic District is a Historic District in Meridian Mississippi, added to the National Register of Historic Places on January The district is actually a combination of two older districts, Meridian Urban Center Historic District and Union Station Historic District. Meridian Urban Center Historic District is a Historic district in Meridian Mississippi, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places on Union Station Historic District (originally added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 as the Meridian Depot District) is a Historic district In 2005, Meridian's city council voted to combine these two districts into one large district. A city council is a form of Local government, usually covering a City or other Urban area, such as a Town. The new district was added to the National Register of Historic Places on January 16, 2007. The National Register of Historic Places (NRHP is the United States government's official list of districts sites buildings structures and objects deemed worthy of Events 27 BC - The title Augustus is bestowed upon Gaius Julius Caesar Octavian by the Roman Senate. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.

 4  Meridian Urban Center Historic District — roughly bounded by 21st and 25th Aves, 6th St, and the former Gulf, Mobile and Ohio Railroad. Meridian Urban Center Historic District is a Historic district in Meridian Mississippi, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places on The Gulf Mobile and Ohio was a railroad carrier in the central United States, with its primary routes from Chicago to Mobile Alabama and The district was added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 18, 1979. The National Register of Historic Places (NRHP is the United States government's official list of districts sites buildings structures and objects deemed worthy of Events 218 BC - Second Punic War: Battle of the Trebia - Hannibal 's Carthaginian forces defeat those of the Year 1979 ( MCMLXXIX) was a Common year starting on Monday (link displays the 1979 Gregorian calendar) In 1872, the streets in this district were beginning to develop around the new railroads. The rails provided economic success in the area, which resulted in a large range of late 19th and early 20th Century architectural styles including Italianate row buildings and an Art Deco skyscraper known as the Threefoot Building. In the course of the history of Classical architecture, an Italianate style of architecture was a distinct nineteenth-century phase in which Italian sixteenth-century Art Deco was a popular international design movement from 1925 until 1939 affecting the decorative arts such as Architecture, Interior design, and Industrial The Threefoot Building is a historic building located in downtown Meridian Mississippi. The Urban Center Historic District was combined with the Union Station Historic District in 2005 and became the Meridian Downtown Historic District.

 5  Union Station Historic District — roughly bounded by 18th and 19th Aves, 5th St, and the former Gulf, Mobile and Ohio Railroad. Union Station Historic District (originally added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 as the Meridian Depot District) is a Historic district Originally added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 as the Meridian Depot District, the district contains Union Station, Terminal Hotel, General Supply Co. The National Register of Historic Places (NRHP is the United States government's official list of districts sites buildings structures and objects deemed worthy of The Meridian Amtrak Station is located on 1901 Front Street Meridian Mississippi. , and the Soule' Steam Feed complex. Before 1905, this area was primarily residential, but the construction of the Union Station in 1905-1906 led to the development of this area in business and industry. The Meridian Amtrak Station is located on 1901 Front Street Meridian Mississippi. The name change occurred in 2000, after completion of the renovated Union Station Multi-Modal Transportation Facility. The Union Station Historic District was combined with the Urban Center Historic District in 2005 and became the Meridian Downtown Historic District.

Merrehope Historical Home

 6  Merrehope Historic District — bounded by 33rd Ave, 30th Ave, 14th St, and 8th St. Merrehope Historic District is a Historic district in Meridian Mississippi. The district was added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 19, 1988. The National Register of Historic Places (NRHP is the United States government's official list of districts sites buildings structures and objects deemed worthy of Events 335 - Dalmatius is raised to the rank of Caesar by his uncle Constantine I. Year 1988 ( MCMLXXXVIII) was a Leap year starting on Friday (link displays 1988 Gregorian calendar) Following the Civil War, Meridian's economy boomed through railroading, Logging and textile enterprises. "Railroad" and "Railway" both redirect here For other uses see Railroad (disambiguation. Logging is the process in which Trees are cut down for Forest management and Timber. A textile is a flexible material comprised of a network of natural or artificial Fibres often referred to as thread or Yarn. As Meridian began to grow northward, so did the need for housing. The housing development period for this district was late 1860 through 1940.

 7  Mid-Town Historic District — bounded by 23rd Ave, 15th St, 28th Ave, and 22nd St. Mid-Town Historic District is a Historic district in Meridian Mississippi, containing a collection of architectural and historically important 20th Century residences The district is a collection of architectural and historically important 20th Century residences representing the houses of Meridian's wealthy industrialists, professionals and merchants, as well as the working class. A business magnate, sometimes referred to as a mogul, tycoon, baron, or industrialist, is a person who has reached a prominent place in Merchants function as professionals who deal with Trade, dealing in commodities that they do not produce themselves in order to produce Profit. Working class is a term used in academic Sociology and in ordinary conversation to describe depending on context and speaker those employed in specific fields or types Because of this historic architecture, the district was added to the National Register of Historic Places on August 21, 1987. The National Register of Historic Places (NRHP is the United States government's official list of districts sites buildings structures and objects deemed worthy of Events 1192 - Minamoto Yoritomo becomes Seii Tai Shōgun and the De facto ruler of Japan. Year 1987 ( MCMLXXXVII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link displays 1987 Gregorian calendar) The homes in the district are associated with Meridian's rapid growth at the beginning of the century, when the city was the center of Mississippi's railroad economy. "Railroad" and "Railway" both redirect here For other uses see Railroad (disambiguation. The district has a large percentage of brick structures, built as an alternative to the wooden frame residences made popular by the lumber industry and mills in Meridian. Logging is the process in which Trees are cut down for Forest management and Timber.

 8  Poplar Springs Road Historic District — roughly bounded by 29th St, 23rd Ave, 22nd St, and 29th Ave. Poplar Springs Road Historic District is a Historic district in Meridian Mississippi. The district was added to the National Register of Historic Places on August 21, 1987. The National Register of Historic Places (NRHP is the United States government's official list of districts sites buildings structures and objects deemed worthy of Events 1192 - Minamoto Yoritomo becomes Seii Tai Shōgun and the De facto ruler of Japan. Year 1987 ( MCMLXXXVII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link displays 1987 Gregorian calendar) It is a collection of residences representing the prosperity of Meridian at the turn of the 20th century and pre-Depression era. The district developed around Poplar Springs Road (now Poplar Springs Drive), at the time a winding country road leading into the north of the city. Hundreds of shade trees were planted and still contribute to the streetscape of the Poplar Springs Historic District.

 9  West End Historic District — roughly bounded by 7th St, 28th Ave, Shearer's Branch, and 5th St. The West End Historic District is a Historic district in Meridian Mississippi. The district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. The National Register of Historic Places (NRHP is the United States government's official list of districts sites buildings structures and objects deemed worthy of It presents continuous streetscapes of historic buildings built during this time period. The period of significance for West End dates from 1870 to 1936, representing the rise of Meridian from its destruction during the American Civil War to the position of Mississippi's largest city. Causes of the war See also Origins of the American Civil War, Timeline of events leading to the American Civil War The coexistence of a slave-owning South The steady growth of Meridian's economy during this time made possible the expansion of this district.

City Government

Meridian is governed by a city council, headed by the Mayor, John Robert Smith. A city council is a form of Local government, usually covering a City or other Urban area, such as a Town. City Hall is located at 601 24th Avenue, and since September 13, 2007, the building has been undergoing a restoration to its original 1915 condition. Events 509 BC - The Temple of Jupiter on Rome 's Capitoline Hill is dedicated on the ides of September Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Temporary City Hall is located at 2412 7th Street. ^[34]

City Hall before restoration efforts

Current Council Members

• Dr. George Thomas (Ward 1, Vice-President)
• Mary A. B. Perry (Ward 2)
• Barbara Henson (Ward 3)
• Jesse E. Palmer, Sr. (Ward 4, President)
• John C. Harris (Ward 5)

The Council Clerk is Pam McInnis.

Judiciary Officials

• Robbie Jones, City Court Judge
• Beauchamp Jones, Judge Pro Tempore
• Alfred Cory, City Prosecutor
• Amanda Rainey, Assistant Prosecutor
• Joseph Denson, Public Defender

Executive Officials

• Bill Hammack, City Attorney
• Ken Storms, Chief Administrative Officer
• Ed Skipper, Finance and Records Director
• Monty Jackson, Public Works Director
• Mark Naylor, Parks and Recreation Director
• Don Farrar, Community Development Director
• Jeff Homan, Fire Chief
• Benny Dubose, Police Chief
• H. C. Partridge, Homeland Security Director

Demographics

As of the census of 2000,^[36] there were 39,968 people, 15,966 households, and 10,026 families residing in the city. A census is the procedure of acquiring information about every member of a given population The population density was 885. Population density (in agriculture standing stock and Standing crop) is a measurement of Population per unit area or unit volume 9 inhabitants per square mile (342. 0 /km²). There were 17,890 housing units at an average density of 396. 5 per square mile (153. 1 /km²). The racial makeup of the city was 54. 37% African American, 43. 99% White, 0. 17% Native American, 0. 60% Asian, 0. 03% Pacific Islander, 0. 28% from other races, and 0. 57% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1. 08% of the population.

There were 15,966 households out of which 31. 1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 36. 2% were married couples living together, 23. NOTICE TO WOULD-BE ROMEOS ************** 3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37. 2% were non-families. 33. 2% of all households were made up of individuals and 14. 0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2. 39 and the average family size was 3. 06.

In the city the population was 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 were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 84. 0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 77. 0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $25,085, and the median income for a family was $31,062. Males had a median income of $29,404 versus $19,702 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,255. Per capita income means how much each individual receives in monetary terms of the yearly income generated in the country About 24. 6% of families and 28. 6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 40. The poverty threshold, or poverty line, is the minimum level of Income deemed necessary to achieve an adequate Standard of living in a given country 8% of those under age 18 and 22. 0% of those age 65 or over.

Geography

Meridian is located at 32°22′29″N, 88°42′15″W (32. 374841, -88. 704160)^[37] in the North Central Hills region of the state. The city is 93 mi (150 km) (1. A mile is a unit of Length, usually used to measure Distance, in a number of different systems including Imperial units United States The kilometre ( American spelling: kilometer) symbol km is a unit of Length in the Metric system, equal to one thousand 5 hours) east of Jackson, MS; 154 mi (248 km) (2 hours) west of Birmingham, AL; 202 mi (325 km) (3 hours) northeast of New Orleans, LA; 231 mi (372 km) (4 hours) southeast of Memphis, TN; and 297 mi (478 km) (5 hours) west of Atlanta, GA. Birmingham (ˈbɝmɪŋhæm is the largest City in the US state of Alabama and is the County seat of Jefferson County. New Orleans (nʲuːˈɔrliənz nʲuːˈɔrlənz French: La Nouvelle-Orléans) is a major United States port city and the largest city in Louisiana Memphis is a City in the southwest corner of Tennessee, and the County seat of Shelby County. ^[2]

The region's geology consists of sands and clays from the paleocene and eocene epochs and soil in the ultisol order. Geology (from Greek γη gê, "earth" and λόγος Logos, "speech" lit The Paleocene or Palaeocene, "early dawn of the recent" is a geologic epoch that lasted from 65 The Eocene epoch (558 ± 02 - 339 ± 01 Ma) is a major division of the Geologic timescale and the second epoch of the Palaeogene period in The geologic time scale is a chronologic schema (or idealized Model) relating Stratigraphy to time that is used by Geologists and other Ultisols are an order in USDA soil taxonomy. They are defined as mineral soils which contain no Calcareous material anywhere within the soil, have ^[38] The area surrounding the city is covered with cotton and corn fields along with oak and pine forests, and its topography consists of clay hills and the bottom lands of the head waters of the Chickasawhay River. The term oak can be used as part of the common name of any of about 400 species of Trees and Shrubs in the Genus Quercus (from Latin This article is about the tree For other uses of the term "pine" see Pine (disambiguation. Topography ( topo-, "place" and graphia, "writing" is the study of Earth 's Surface features or those of Planets The Chickasawhay River is a River, about 210 mi (340 km long in southeastern Mississippi in the United States. ^[15]

The natural terrain of the area has been modified in the urban core of the city by grading, but it maintains its gentle rolling character in the outlying areas. Terrain, or relief, is the third or vertical dimension of land surface. Grading in civil engineering and construction is the work of ensuring a level (or possibly sloped to specific degree base for a construction work such as a foundation or the Numerous small creeks are found throughout the city and small lakes and woodlands lie in the northern and southern portions of the city. A lake (from Latin lacus) is a Terrain feature (or Physical feature) a body of Liquid on the surface of a world that is localized to the Ecologically a woodland is an area covered in trees differentiated from a Forest. ^[8]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 45. The United States Census Bureau (officially Bureau of the Census as defined in Title) is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census 9 sq mi (118. The square mile is an imperial and US unit of Area equal the area of a square of one statute mile. 9 km²), of which 45. Square Kilometre ( US spelling square kilometer) symbol km2, is a decimal multiple of the SI unit of 1 sq mi (116. 8 km²) is land and 0. 8 sq mi (2. 1 km²) is water.

Climate

Meridian is in the Humid subtropical climate zone. Humid subtropical climate ( Köppen Cfa or Cwa) is a climate zone characterized by hot humid summers and chilly to mild winters The average high temperature during summer months (June through August) is around 90 °F (32 °C) and the average low temperature is around 70 °F (21 °C). Fahrenheit is a temperature scale named after Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit (1686–1736 a German Physicist who proposed it in 1724 The Celsius Temperature scale was previously known as the centigrade scale. In winter months (December through February) the average high temperature is around 60 °F (16 °C) and the average low temperature is around 35 °F (2 °C). The warmest month of the year is July with an average high temperature of 92. 9 °F (33. 8 °C), and the coldest month of the year is January with an average low temperature of 34. 7 °F (1. 5 °C).

The average annual precipitation in the city is 58. In Meteorology, precipitation (also known as one class of hydrometeors, which are atmospheric water phenomena is any product of the condensation of atmospheric 65 in (148. 97 cm). Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, and the wettest month of the year is March in which an average of 6. 93 in (17. 60 cm) of rain falls. ^[39]

Economy

In Meridian's early days, the economy depended greatly upon the railroads in the area. Health care is the prevention treatment and management of illness and the preservation of mental health through the services offered by the medical, Nursing Welfare is financial assistance paid to people by governments Manufacturing (from Latin manu factura, "making by hand" is the use of tools and labor to make things for use or sale The foodservice (or food service) industry (US English catering industry in British English encompasses those places institutions and companies responsible Waste management is the collection Transport, processing, Recycling or disposal of Waste materials Generally remediation means providing a Remedy, so environmental remediation deals with the removal of Pollution or Contaminants from environmental Wholesaling is the sale of Goods or Merchandise to Retailers to industrial commercial institutional or other professional Business users In Business, administration consists of the performance or management of business operations and thus the making or implementing of major decisions Information as a concept has a diversity of meanings from everyday usage to technical settings This article is about people called professionals For the Movie, see The Professional or Leon. Science (from the Latin scientia, meaning " Knowledge " or "knowing" is the effort to discover, and increase human understanding Technology is a broad concept that deals with a Species ' usage and knowledge of Tools and Crafts and how it affects a species' ability to control and adapt The arts is a broad subdivision of Culture, composed of many expressive disciplines. See also Entertainment (disambiguation and The Entertainer (disambiguation Entertainment is an activity designed to give people Recreation or fun is the expenditure of time in a manner designed for therapeutic refreshment of one's Body or Mind. Lease Renting is an agreement where a payment is made for the temporary Leasing is a process by which a firm can obtain the use of a certain fixed assets for which it must pay a series of contractual periodic tax deductable payments Real estate is a legal term (in some jurisdictions notably in the USA, United Kingdom Education encompasses both the Teaching and Learning of Knowledge, proper conduct, and technical competency The city was the largest in Mississippi at the turn of the 20th Century with five major rail lines and 44 trains coming in and out of the city daily. Mississippi ( is a state located in the Deep South of the United States A train is a connected series of vehicles that move along a track ( Permanent way) to transport freight or passengers from one place to another ^[3] The city's economy not only depended on the rails but the goods, such as timber and cotton, transported on them. Lumber or timber is Wood in any of its stages from felling through readiness for use as structural Material for Construction, or Cotton is a soft staple Fibre that grows around the seeds of the cotton plant ( Gossypium sp With these rail-based industries, the city was a great economic power in the state and region between 1890 and 1930. ^[7]

Though its economy slowed with the decline of the railroading industry in the 1950s, the city has adapted, moving from a largely rail-based economy to a very diverse one. "Railroad" and "Railway" both redirect here For other uses see Railroad (disambiguation. The city's 178 healthcare and social assistance institutions contribute greatly to its economy by providing 5,698 jobs to residents of Meridian and the surrounding area. Health care is the prevention treatment and management of illness and the preservation of mental health through the services offered by the medical, Nursing Welfare is financial assistance paid to people by governments Retail is another major employer in the city, with 378 institutions employing 4,892 people. ^[40] Nearly $2 billion annually is spent on retail purchases in the city. ^[41] The city is also home to two military facilities, Naval Air Station Meridian and Key Field, which supply more than 4,000 jobs to the city's residents. Naval Air Station Meridian or NAS Meridian is a military airport located 11 miles northeast of Meridian, Mississippi in Lauderdale County Meridian Regional Airport is a public Airport located on Key Field, a joint civil-military airfield located southwest of the city of Meridian in ^[42]

Peavey Electronics Corporation, which has manufactured guitars, amplifiers, and sound equipment since 1965, operates its headquarters in the city. Peavey Electronics Corporation is one of the largest audio equipment manufacturers in the world headquartered in Meridian Mississippi in the United States. The guitar is a Musical instrument with ancient roots that is used in a wide variety of musical styles Generally an amplifier or simply amp, is any device that changes usually increases the amplitude of a signal. Other businesses in the area include Avery Dennison, Structural Steel Services, Sara Lee, Tower Automotive, and Teikuro Corporation. Avery Dennison Corporation ( produces pressure-sensitive materials (such as self-adhesive labels office products and various paper products Structural steel is Steel construction Material, a profile, formed with a specific Shape or cross section and certain standards of Tower Automotive LLC is a global designer and producer of structural components and assemblies used by virtually every major automotive vehicle manufacturer The city is also home to four industrial parks. An industrial estate is an area of land set aside for industrial development. New businesses in the city are expected to bring in more than $250 million in new investments and add around 670 jobs. ^[42]

Phase I of the construction of Meridian Crossroads, a shopping center in the Bonita Lakes area of the city, was completed in November 2007. A shopping mall or shopping centre is a building or set of buildings that contain Retail units with interconnecting Walkways enabling visitors The completion of Phase I has provided a major boost to retail in the area, and Phase II is projected to boost the region's economy even more. ^[32]

In downtown, the MSU Riley Center provides revenue from tourism, arts, and entertainment sales. The Grand Opera House (now MSU Riley Center for Education and Performing Arts) is a former Opera house in Meridian Mississippi. The Riley Center attracted almost 63,000 visitors in its second season in 2007. ^[32]

Transportation

Railroads

Meridian's Amtrak Station. The Meridian Amtrak Station is located on 1901 Front Street Meridian Mississippi.

Amtrak's Crescent line connects Meridian with the cities of New York City, New York; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Baltimore, Maryland; Washington, D.C.; Charlotte, North Carolina; Atlanta, Georgia; Birmingham, Alabama; and New Orleans, Louisiana. The National Railroad Passenger Corporation, Doing business as Amtrak, is a Government-owned corporation that was organized on May 1, 1971 The Crescent is a passenger Train operated by Amtrak in the eastern part of the United States. The City of New York Philadelphia (ˌfɪləˈdɛlfiə Washington DC ( formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, the District, or simply D Birmingham (ˈbɝmɪŋhæm is the largest City in the US state of Alabama and is the County seat of Jefferson County. New Orleans (nʲuːˈɔrliənz nʲuːˈɔrlənz French: La Nouvelle-Orléans) is a major United States port city and the largest city in Louisiana The Amtrak Station (also called Meridian Multi-Modal Transportation Center and locally Union Station) is located at 1901 Front Street, part of the Meridian Downtown Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Meridian Amtrak Station is located on 1901 Front Street Meridian Mississippi. The National Register of Historic Places (NRHP is the United States government's official list of districts sites buildings structures and objects deemed worthy of

Originally built in 1906 but later demolished in 1966 and rebuilt in 1997, the station includes several modes of passenger transportation including the Meridian Transit System, AMTRAK, Norfolk Southern rail corridor, Greyhound Buses, Trailways and other providers of transit services. The National Railroad Passenger Corporation, Doing business as Amtrak, is a Government-owned corporation that was organized on May 1, 1971 This article is about the present railroad formed in 1990 For the former regional railroad in Virginia and North Carolina a small part of the new one see Norfolk Southern Greyhound Lines is an intercity Common carrier of passengers by Bus serving over 3700 destinations in the United States. The Trailways Transportation System is a group of 80 independent bus companies that have entered into a Franchising agreement

The number of passengers on Amtrak trains, Greyhound buses, and Meridian Transit System buses averages 242,360 per year. ^[5]

Air Transportation

The town is served by Meridian Regional Airport, located at Key Field, 2811 Airport Boulevard South, 3 mi (4. Meridian Regional Airport is a public Airport located on Key Field, a joint civil-military airfield located southwest of the city of Meridian in 8 km) southwest of the city. The airport opened in 1930, just before the Great Depression. During the Depression, residents of the city contemplated abandoning the airport because of the cost of maintenance, but in 1935 Brothers Fred and Al Key, managers of the airport, thought of a way to keep the airport operating. Brothers Fred and Al Key became interested in aviation after WWI From June 4 until July 1, 1935, the brothers flew over the city in their plane, the "Ole Miss. Events 781 BC - The first historic Solar eclipse is recorded in China. "July 1st" redirects here For the Ayumi Hamasaki song see H (song. " The record they established in their 27 days aloft, totaling 653 hours and 34 minutes, attracted enough publicity and funds to the city to keep the airport running. Key Field is therefore named after the brothers, whose flight endurance record remains unbroken in conventional flight.

The airport offers 4 non-stop daily flights to Atlanta via Delta Connection, operated by Atlantic Southeast Airlines in Atlanta, Georgia. Delta Connection is the name under which a number of individually owned Regional airlines and Comair operate short and medium haul routes in association with Atlantic Southeast Airlines Inc ( ASA) is an American airline based in Atlanta Georgia, USA flying to 144 destinations as a Delta Connection

Highways

Interstate Highways
Interstate 20, runs west to Jackson, Mississippi and east to Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The Dwight D Eisenhower National System of Interstate and Defense Highways, commonly called the Interstate Highway System (or simply the Interstate System) Tuscaloosa is a city in west central Alabama in the southern United States.
Interstate 59, joining with I-20 in the city, runs north to Tuscaloosa, Alabama and south to Laurel, Mississippi, and New Orleans. Interstate 59 (I-59 is an Interstate highway in the southern United States. Tuscaloosa is a city in west central Alabama in the southern United States. Laurel is a city located in Jones County in Mississippi, a state of the United States of America. New Orleans (nʲuːˈɔrliənz nʲuːˈɔrlənz French: La Nouvelle-Orléans) is a major United States port city and the largest city in Louisiana
An addition to Interstate 85 is planned, and will terminate just across the Alabama state line from the city through Demopolis and Selma, Alabama to Montgomery. Interstate 85 (I-85 is an Interstate highway in the southeastern United States. Alabama (formally the State of Alabama;) is a State located in the southern region of the United States of America. Demopolis is the largest city in Marengo County, Alabama, United States. Selma is a city in and the County seat of Dallas County, Alabama, United States, located on the banks of the Alabama River. Montgomery (məntˈgəmɜriː is the Capital, second most populous city and the 4th most populous metropolitan area in the Southern U [43]
U.S. Highways
U.S. Highway 11 runs parallel to Interstate 59. The system of United States Numbered Highways (often called U US Route 11 is a north-south United States highway extending 1645 mile
U.S. Highway 45 runs north to Columbus, Mississippi and south to Quitman, Mississippi and Mobile, Alabama. US Route 45 is a north-south United States highway. US 45 is a border-to-border route from Lake Superior to the Gulf of Mexico. Columbus is a city in Lowndes County, Mississippi, United States on the Tombigbee River. Quitman is a city in Clarke County, Mississippi, USA along the Chickasawhay River.
U.S. Highway 80 runs west to Jackson, Mississippi and east to Demopolis, Alabama and Montgomery, Alabama. US Route 80 is an east-west United States highway. As the "0" in the route number indicates it was originally a cross-country route from the Atlantic Demopolis is the largest city in Marengo County, Alabama, United States. Montgomery (məntˈgəmɜriː is the Capital, second most populous city and the 4th most populous metropolitan area in the Southern U
State Highways
Mississippi Highway 19
Mississippi Highway 39
Mississippi Highway 145
Mississippi Highway 493

Education

Meridian is home to two post-secondary educational institutions. State highway, state road or state route can refer to one of three related concepts two of them related to a State government in a country that is divided Mississippi Highway 19 ( MS 19) is a State highway in Mississippi. Mississippi Highway 145 is the designation for the parts of the old U Meridian Community College is located at 910 Highway 19 N and offers free tuition for four semesters to graduates from the Meridian Public and Lauderdale County School Districts as well as homeschooled children who reside in the city limits. Meridian Community College is a two-year public Community college in Meridian, Mississippi ( USA) ^[44] Mississippi State University also operates a campus in the city. Mississippi State University is a Land-grant university located in north east-central Mississippi, United States, in the town of Starkville and Seven hundred sixty-three students from 33 counties throughout the state and several in Alabama attend the college. ^[45]

The city's youth attend schools in the Meridian Public School District, which includes 7 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, 2 junior high schools, and 2 high schools. The Meridian Public School District is a public School district based in Meridian, Mississippi ( USA) See also Primary education An elementary school is an institution where children receive the first stage of Compulsory education known as elementary Middle school or Junior High School serves as a "bridge" between the Elementary School and the High School Middle school or Junior High School serves as a "bridge" between the Elementary School and the High School High school is the name used in some parts of the world (in particular Scotland, North America and Australia) to describe an institution ^[46] Some children in the city limits attend schools in the Lauderdale County School District as well. The Lauderdale County School District is a public School district based in Lauderdale County, Mississippi ( USA) The city also contains several private schools including Calvary Christian School, Lamar School, Russell Christian Academy, and St. For the film of this title see Private School (film. Private schools, or Independent schools are Schools not administered Patrick's Catholic School.

Media and Publishing

Newspapers, Magazines, and Journals

The headquarters of Meridian's primary newspaper, The Meridian Star

Television

Radio

Sites of interest

Around Town Carousels Abound[1] is a public arts project of 62 carousel horses, representing the historic Dentzel Carousel in Highland Park (see below). Public broadcasting refers to radio television and other electronic media outlets that receive some or all of their funding from the public Sports radio (or sports talk radio) is a Radio format devoted entirely to Discussion and Broadcasting of sporting events. Gospel music is Music that is written to express either personal or a communal belief regarding Christian life as well as (in terms of the varying music styles to Gospel music is Music that is written to express either personal or a communal belief regarding Christian life as well as (in terms of the varying music styles to Talk radio is a Radio format containing discussion about topical issues For the former WALT in Tampa Florida, see WTIS. WALT (910 AM) is a Radio station broadcasting a Talk radio is a Radio format containing discussion about topical issues WSJC (810 AM) is a Radio station licensed to serve Magee Mississippi. Religious broadcasting is Broadcasting by religious organizations usually with a religious message Talk radio is a Radio format containing discussion about topical issues WYLS (670 AM, "Rejoice 670" is a Radio station licensed to serve York Alabama. Urban contemporary Gospel (sometimes marketed as "Black Gospel") is Music that is written to express either personal or a communal belief regarding Highland Park Dentzel Carousel and Shelter Building is a Carousel and building in Highland Park in Meridian Mississippi. Highland Park is a historic park in Meridian Mississippi. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 the park houses a Jimmie Rodgers museum Sixty-two pieces have been sponsored by local businesses and citizens, and design of the horses was conceived and painted by local artists. They are placed throughout the city and county. ^[47]

Upper lake at Bonita Lakes park

Bonita Lakes is a city-owned, 3,300 acre (13 km²) park including three lakes. The park also includes the Long Creek Reservoir and Lakeview Municipal Golf Course, along with nature trails, a jogging and walking track, biking paths, horseback riding trails, pavilions, picnic facilities, boat ramps, paddle boats, concessions, and fishing. The site is also the possible future home of the Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Center[2] (pending government legislature for funding). Besides the lakes, the Bonita Lakes area includes Bonita Lakes Mall[3], Bonita Lakes Crossing, and Bonita Lakes Plaza. The 633,685 sq ft (58,871 m²)^[48] mall offers over 100 shopping venues, including department stores, specialty shops, restaurants, eateries, and United Artists Theatres. Regal Entertainment Group ( is the largest Movie theatre chain in North America, operating 6423 screens in 529 locations in 41 U

The Causeyville General Store opened in 1895 as a general store and gristmill. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has many original fixtures and demonstrations of the working gristmill. The National Register of Historic Places (NRHP is the United States government's official list of districts sites buildings structures and objects deemed worthy of It is also the home of Meridian's Mechanical Musical Museum, one of the most popular attractions in the area. ^[4]

Different Seasons[4], formerly known as Crossroads, is one of the gay bars featured in the Kevin Smith film Small Town Gay Bar and one of only 8 gay bars in Mississippi. Kevin Patrick Smith (born August 2 1970 is an American Screenwriter, Writer, Film director, Actor and Comic book writer Small Town Gay Bar is a 2006 documentary directed by Malcolm Ingram that focuses on two gay bars in the rural deep Southeast ^[49]

Dunn's Falls[5] is a 65 ft (19. 8 m) waterfall created in the mid 1850s by John Dunn, an Irish immigrant,^[50] once used as a power source for a gristmill and the manufacture of Stetson hats. Stetson hats or Stetsons are a brand of hat manufactered by the John B The park is a natural wildlife refuge including a picnic area with barbecue grills, a gristmill pond, several campsites, and hiking and swimming areas.

Frank W. Williams Home

The Frank W. Williams Home, built in 1886, is a fine example of the Queen Anne style of residential architecture, with stained glass, oak paneling, parquet floors and detailed gingerbread. The Queen Anne Style is a style of architecture, furniture and decoration that reached its greatest popularity in the last quarter of the 19th century manifesting itself in Many original features and antique furnishings are in the home. The house is located at 905 Martin Luther King Jr. Martin Luther King Jr ( January 15, 1929 April 4, 1968) was an American clergyman, Activist and prominent leader Memorial Drive on the same lot at the Merrehope Historical Home. ^[4]

Merrehope is a stately 20-room Victorian mansion, restored and furnished by the Meridian Restorations Foundation, Inc. The term Victorian architecture can refer to one of a number of Architectural styles predominantly employed during the Victorian era. Originally, part of the home was used as headquarters for Confederate General Leonidas Polk and was spared by Union General William T. Sherman and his troops when they attacked the city during the Civil War and burned much of it to the ground. Leonidas Polk ( April 10, 1806 &ndash June 14, 1864) was a Confederate general who was once a planter in Maury County Tennessee Causes of the war See also Origins of the American Civil War, Timeline of events leading to the American Civil War The coexistence of a slave-owning South ^[4] The home is located at 905 Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Drive on the same lot as the Frank Williams Home and is one of few homes in Meridian that remained standing after Sherman's raid during the Civil War. ^[6]

The city's former Grand Opera House, renovated in September 2006, is remarkable for being preserved to its original beauty while incorporating the latest in modern technology and amenities. The Grand Opera House (now MSU Riley Center for Education and Performing Arts) is a former Opera house in Meridian Mississippi. The Grand Opera House and the adjacent Marks-Rothenberg Department store were built in 1889 by two half brothers, Israel Marks and Levi Rothenberg. In addition to the extensive theater renovation, the department store was completely transformed into a state-of-the-art conference facility. Together the theater and conference space currently make up the Mississippi State University Riley Center for Education and Performing Arts[6], owned and operated by Mississippi State University-Meridian Campus. Mississippi State University is a Land-grant university located in north east-central Mississippi, United States, in the town of Starkville and [7]

The Hamasa Shrine Temple Theater houses a 778-pipe organ, the equivalent of a 100-piece symphony orchestra, one of two organs of its kind known to exist. The Hamasa Shrine Temple Theater, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 is a historic Theater located at 2320 8th Street in Meridian Mississippi The pipe organ is a Musical instrument that produces sound when pressurized air (wind is driven through a series of pipes, controlled by a keyboard A symphony is a Musical composition, often extended and usually for Orchestra. An orchestra is an instrumental ensemble, usually fairly large with string brass woodwind sections and possibly a percussion section as well This beautiful theater, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was constructed in 1923 in the Moorish Revival style by the Hamasa Shrine and leased to the Saenger Theater chain in 1927. Moorish Revival or Neo-Moorish is one of the exotic revival Architectural styles that were adopted by architects of Europe and the Americas in the wake of the The Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, commonly known as Shriners and abbreviated A Saenger originally leased the building for 25 years and renewed for an additional 20, ending in 1972. ^[51] With seating for 1800 persons, the silent movie era was a prosperous time for the Temple. At the time, it was one of the largest stages in the United States, second only to the Roxy Theater in New York City. For other people and places named Roxy see Roxy and Roxy Theatre The Roxy Theatre in New York City was a 6214 seat Movie The City of New York

Dentzel Carousel in Highland Park

Highland Park houses a Jimmie Rodgers museum which displays the original guitar of "The Singing Brakeman" and other memorabilia of his life and career, as well as railroad equipment from the steam-engine era. Highland Park is a historic park in Meridian Mississippi. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 the park houses a Jimmie Rodgers museum Jimmie Rodgers ( September 8, 1897 – May 26, 1933) an early purveyor of Delta blues, known as "The Singing Brakeman" In addition to the museum building itself, there are outside memorials, and a vintage steam locomotive on display. Highland park also houses a 19th century carousel manufactured around 1895 by Gustav Dentzel of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A carousel ( carrousel in French) is an Amusement ride consisting of a rotating platform with seats for passengers Philadelphia (ˌfɪləˈdɛlfiə Highland Park Dentzel Carousel has been in operation since 1909, is a National Historic Landmark, and is the world's only two-row stationary Dentzel menagerie in existence. Highland Park Dentzel Carousel and Shelter Building is a Carousel and building in Highland Park in Meridian Mississippi. A National Historic Landmark (NHL is a Building, site, Structure, Object, or District, that is officially recognized by the Original oil paintings of museum quality adorn the top crown of the carousel, and all 28 animals and 2 chariots on the carousel are meticulously hand-carved of bass and poplar wood and have recently been restored to their original beauty. The Dentzel Carousel arrived in Meridian in 1909 and has since occupied the same location in Highland Park. Its house, also a National Historic Landmark, is the only remaining original carousel building built from a Dentzel blueprint. [8]

Key Field is the site of the famous flight by brothers Fred and Al Key ("The Flying Keys") which set a world endurance flight record in 1935. Meridian Regional Airport is a public Airport located on Key Field, a joint civil-military airfield located southwest of the city of Meridian in Brothers Fred and Al Key became interested in aviation after WWI At 12:32 p. m. on June 4, 1935, brothers Al and Fred Key lifted off in their Curtis-Robbins monoplane, the "Ole Miss," from Meridian's airport. Events 781 BC - The first historic Solar eclipse is recorded in China. Year 1935 ( MCMXXXV) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. For Félix du Temple 's invention see ''Monoplane'' (1874 Types of monoplane The main distinction in types of monoplane is The record they established in their 27 days aloft, totaling 653 hours and 34 minutes, remains unbroken in conventional flight. Working with other Meridianites such as A. D. Hunter and James Keeton, the Key brothers devised a workable method of air-to-air refueling in order to attempt this feat. ^[9] Because of that, Key Field is now home to the 186th Air Refueling Wing and the 185th Army Aviation Support Facility, both of the Air National Guard. The United States Air Force 's 186th Air Refueling Wing is a unit located at Key Field, Mississippi. The Air National Guard ( ANG), often referred to as the Air Guard, is the air force militia organized by each of the several states and The site also contains an exhibit reviewing the history of aviation, and is the home of Meridian's Aviation Museum.

Lake Okatibbee[9] is a 4,144 acre (Land area 7,150 acres)^[52] lake which offers boating, fishing, swimming, water, skiing, picnicking, hunting, hiking and camping. Splashdown Country Water Park, a 25-room motel, and cabins are located on the lake. The project was authorized by Congress in 1962 primarily for flood reduction on 26,000 acres (110 km²) of residential, industrial and agricultural lands along the upper Chickasawhay River and Okatibbee Creek. The United States Congress is the bicameral Legislature of the federal government of the United States of America, consisting of two houses The Chickasawhay River is a River, about 210 mi (340 km long in southeastern Mississippi in the United States.

Loeb's Department Store has remained a Mississippi clothing landmark, having passed through four generations of family ownership. Loeb's Department Store is a historic specialty Department store in Meridian Mississippi that has remained in the same family for four generations beginning with Loeb's has been selling fine men's and women's clothing since 1887, when the store was first opened by Alex Loeb. ^[53]

Meridian Crossroads[10] is a 375,000 sq ft (34,800 m²)^[41] plaza with many shopping and dining centers. The center is located off exit 154B on Interstate 20 and includes over 30 tenants, including Best Buy, Bed, Bath, and Beyond, Lane Bryant, Rue 21, Ross Stores Inc., Petco, LifeWay Christian Bookstore, and Books-A-Million, along with Olive Garden, Chili's, and Outback Steakhouse. Best Buy Co Inc ( is a Fortune 100 company and the largest specialty retailer of Consumer electronics in the United States and Canada Bed Bath & Beyond Inc ( was formed in 1971 and today operates a chain of domestic merchandise retail stores across North America. Lane Bryant is a retail women's clothing store focusing on fashion for plus-sized women rue21 operates retail stores that offer casual apparel footwear and accessories for young women and men in the United States some of which are sold under the company's Ross Stores Inc is a chain of American off-price Department stores It is the nation's third largest off-price retailer (behind T PETCO is a chain of Retail stores that offers pet supplies and services such as Grooming and Dog training. LifeWay Christian Resources, based in, is one of the largest providers of Christian resources in the world Books-A-Million Inc or BAM! was founded in 1917 as a street corner newsstand in Florence Alabama. Olive Garden is a casual dining American restaurant chain specializing in Italian-American food Chili's Grill & Bar is a restaurant chain founded by Larry Lavine Outback Steakhouse is an American Casual dining Restaurant chain based in Tampa Florida, with over 900 locations in 21 countries throughout

Meridian Little Theatre

The Meridian Little Theatre[11], one of the South’s oldest subscription-based community theatres, was established in 1932 and currently provides entertainment to residents and visitors to Meridian and Lauderdale County, welcoming over 22,000 theatre-goers each season (October through May), making it Mississippi’s largest community theatre. Lauderdale County is a County located in the US state of Mississippi. ^[54] In 1973, the original theatre burned to the ground and was reconstructed in 1977. ^[55]

The Meridian Museum of Art[12] originally served as home of the First Presbyterian Church of Meridian until the city bought the building in 1911 and turned it into a Carnegie Library in 1913. Meridian Museum of Art is an Art museum located at 628 25th Avenue Meridian Mississippi. First Presbyterian Church of Meridian is a historic Church in Meridian Mississippi, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places on For other uses see Carnegie Library (disambiguation, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Free Library and Carnegie Public Library In 1970, the library was transformed into an art museum and has since served as the region's premiere public museum and features rotating exhibitions. The museum was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

A Mississippi Blues Trail historic marker has been placed in Meridian, the first site to receive this designation outside the Mississippi Delta. The Mississippi Blues Trail, created by the Mississippi Blues Commission is a project to place interpretive markers at the most notable historical sites related to the growth of the The Mississippi Delta is the distinct northwest section of the state of Mississippi that lies between the Mississippi and Yazoo Rivers Technically The marker was placed to honor the city as the birthplace of Jimmie Rodgers and emphasizes his importance to the development of the blues style of music in Mississippi. Jimmie Rodgers ( September 8, 1897 – May 26, 1933) an early purveyor of Delta blues, known as "The Singing Brakeman" The Blues is a vocal and instrumental form of Music based on the use of the Blue notes It emerged as an accessible form of self-expression ^[56]

Meridian is the home of Naval Air Station Meridian, a military airport and one of the Navy's two jet strike pilot training bases. Naval Air Station Meridian or NAS Meridian is a military airport located 11 miles northeast of Meridian, Mississippi in Lauderdale County Originally called Naval Auxiliary Air Station (NAAS), construction began in 1957 and the station was commissioned in 1961 at a cost of $60 million. The operations area was named McCain Field in honor of the late Admiral John S. McCain, Sr. of Teoc, Mississippi, grandfather of United States Senator and Presidential candidate(2000, 2008) John S. McCain III. Please see " Admiral " for other nations which use this rank In the United States Navy, the United States Coast Guard and the McCainFatherandGrandfatherjpg|thumb|right| John S"Slew" McCain Sr and John S Teoc is an unincorporated community in Carroll County Mississippi best known as the birthplace of the Blues legend Mississippi John Hurt. The United States Senate is the Upper house of the bicameral United States Congress, the Lower house being the House of Representatives John McCain, the United States Senator from Arizona, launched his first candidacy for the presidency of the United States in the 2000 John McCain, the senior United States Senator from Arizona, launched his second candidacy for the presidency of the United States

The national headquarters of Peavey Electronics is located in Meridian. Peavey Electronics Corporation is one of the largest audio equipment manufacturers in the world headquartered in Meridian Mississippi in the United States. Opened by Hartley Peavey in 1965, the company also maintains a museum in the city featuring memorabilia related to the company and many of the musicians using its equipment. Hartley Peavey is a founder and CEO of Peavey Electronics Corporation and a well-known innovator in the musical equipment industry [13]

The Union Station Multi-Modal Transportation Center(MMTC) resides in the Depot Historic District of Meridian, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and occupies four city blocks. The Meridian Amtrak Station is located on 1901 Front Street Meridian Mississippi. Union Station includes several modes of passenger transportation including the Meridian Transit System, AMTRAK, Norfolk Southern rail corridor, Greyhound, Trailways and other providers of transit services. The National Railroad Passenger Corporation, Doing business as Amtrak, is a Government-owned corporation that was organized on May 1, 1971 This article is about the present railroad formed in 1990 For the former regional railroad in Virginia and North Carolina a small part of the new one see Norfolk Southern Greyhound Lines is an intercity Common carrier of passengers by Bus serving over 3700 destinations in the United States. The Trailways Transportation System is a group of 80 independent bus companies that have entered into a Franchising agreement Further restoration and development of the Union Station Railroad Museum (REA building) will be a major tourist attraction, inviting MMTC patrons to learn more about Meridian railroading history. "Railroad" and "Railway" both redirect here For other uses see Railroad (disambiguation.

Famous Meridianites

Notes

External links

• Official City of Meridian Website
  • Online Videos from Meridian's Official Website
• Attractions in Meridian, MS
  • Meridian and Lauderdale County Visitor's Map of Attractions in the City
• Meridian Multiple Resource Assessment - National Register of Historic Places