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 was the first Caucasian to settle in the area from which Meridian would grow. He offered free land to attract more people to the region. Originally known as Sowashee Station, after the nearby Sowashee Creek, the city was founded in 1854 at the crossing point of the Mobile & Ohio Railroad line by the Vicksburg & Montgomery Railroad line. When the railroads linked to the area in 1855, the city's future was secured. It was officially incorporated as Meridian in 1860.

Related Topics:
1831 - Choctaw - Indians - Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek - Richard McLemore - Virginia - Sowashee Creek - 1854 - Mobile & Ohio Railroad - Vicksburg & Montgomery Railroad - Railroad - 1855 - 1860

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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 burned much of the surrounding area. After his army completed this task, Sherman is reputed to have said, " Meridian no longer exists."

Related Topics:
1860s - Confederate - Arsenal - Hospital - Stockade - February - 1864 - General William Tecumseh Sherman

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Despite this setback, 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 to some as its Golden Age. From 1890 until 1930, Meridian was Mississippi's largest city and a leader in manufacturing. During this time, much of the existing skyline was built. The Grand Opera House, which still stands and is currently under renovation, opened its doors in 1890.

Related Topics:
Timber - Cotton - 1890 - 1930 - Manufacturing - Skyline

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By 1900 the population of Meridian was approximately 25,000 people. Around this time, the Threefoot Building, a masterpiece of Art Deco architecture, 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. Today Meridian has nine recognized historic districts and neighborhoods, including the largest collection of historic buildings in its downtown district in the state.

Related Topics:
1900 - Art Deco - Architecture - Skyscraper - Carnegie - Library - Museum - Art - Neighborhood - Era - Nine - District

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