Meridian, Mississippi

The city of Meridian is located in southeastern Mississippi, 91 miles (146 kilometers) east of Jackson and just slightly west of the Alabama border. It is the county seat of Lauderdale County, and home to 39,968 residents.

Meridian played an active part in the Civil War, and served as a supply depot to Confederate forces until General William Tecumseh Sherman's troops destroyed the city's railroads, warehouses, and arsenals in 1864. The gravesites of Confederate soldiers and many other notable figures can still be found in the city's historic cemeteries. Other heritage attractions in Meridian include the Causeyville General Store, the Grand Opera House, the Hamasa Shrine Temple Theater, and the lovely 1909 Highland Park Dentzel Carousel. You can also visit historic homes, such as the Frank W. Williams home and Merrehope, a stately 20-room Victorian mansion. Also be sure to check out the city's museums, which include the Mississippi Industrial Heritage Museum, the Key Brothers Aviation Exhibit, and the Jimmie Rodger's Museum, where you'll find a fine collection of memorabilia related to the "father of country music" and Meridian area native.

Looking for a great evening's entertainment? Check the Meridian Arts Council website for a comprehensive listing of local cultural organizations and events. For visual arts fans, there's the Meridian Museum of Art, the Ronald R. Miller Gallery, and the annual Arts in the Park festival. Outstanding plays are produced by the Meridian Little Theatre, while great musical performances are provided by the Meridian Symphony Orchestra. One hub of cultural activity is the Mississippi State University's Riley Center, which hosts a variety of shows throughout the year. Currently under development, the Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Center will be a spectacular performing arts complex featuring indoor and outdoor theaters, a Hall of Fame, and an artist-in-residence village.

For those who prefer the call of the wild to the strains of a Beethoven symphony, Meridian offers plenty of parks and wilderness areas. The future home of the Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Center, Bonita Lakes Park spans 3,300 acres (1,335 hectares), and offers golf, fishing, boating, and a network of recreational trails. You can also enjoy a wide variety of watersports at Lake Okatibbee, play a game of tennis or baseball in Highland Park, or admire the beautiful 65-foot (20-meter) Dunn's Falls.

A small city with plenty to offer, Meridian is a place you'll be delighted to call home!

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