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Meridian, Mississippi

Meridian is a city rich in railroad history, once a vital junction of five major rail lines, earning it the nickname "The Queen City." It's the proud hometown of Jimmie Rodgers, the "Father of Country Music," whose pioneering sound left an indelible mark on American music. Today, we celebrate our vibrant arts scene, historic architecture, and the resilient spirit that keeps Meridian moving forward.
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Founded 1860 | Population 35,000 | Peak 35,000 (2024) | County Lauderdale County

Top Events in Meridian, Mississippi

1
1860 City Incorporated: Officially established as a town, growing from a railroad crossroads.
2
1864 Sherman's Meridian Campaign: Strategic rail hub largely destroyed by Union forces during the Civil War.
3
1927 Jimmie Rodgers' First Recordings: The "Father of Country Music" began his legendary recording career.
4
1961 Naval Air Station Established: NAS Meridian officially commissioned, becoming a vital military presence.
5
2018 MAX Museum Opens: Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience opened, celebrating state's creative legends.
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Latest News in Meridian

Dec 2, 2015
Mississippi Governor Stands Proclaiming April Confederate Heritage Month
Jackson, Mississippi – On December 2, 2015, Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant dug in his heels over a controversial decision to d…
Nov 24, 2015
Mississippi Governor April Confederate History Month
JACKSON, Miss. – In a move that stirred up old tensions in the Deep South, Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant declared April as Co…

Historical Timeline of Meridian

1860 Government
City Incorporated
1880 Economy
Railroad Boom Begins
1906 Culture
Grand Opera House Opens
1927 Culture
Jimmie Rodgers Records
1940 Military
Key Airfield Development
1970 Transport
Interstate 20/59 Completed
2000 Economy
Downtown Revitalization
2018 Culture
MAX Museum Grand Opening

Did You Know? — Meridian

1
Meridian was once the largest city in Mississippi and a major railroad center, where five major rail lines converged.
2
It is the hometown of Jimmie Rodgers, widely recognized as the "Father of Country Music."
3
The city's iconic Threefoot Building, an Art Deco skyscraper, was the tallest building in Mississippi when completed in 1929.
4
Meridian is home to Naval Air Station Meridian, a vital training facility for naval aviators and a major employer.
5
The Hamasa Shrine Temple in Meridian boasts one of the largest and most ornate auditoriums in the state, a local architectural gem.
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Famous People from Meridian, Mississippi

HW
Hayley Williams
Singer, Pianist · Born Dec 27, 1988 · Age 37
DL
Diane Ladd
Actor, Writer · Born Nov 29, 1935 · Died Nov 3, 2025 (age 89)
SW
Sela Ward
Actor, Voice Actor · Born Jul 11, 1956 · Age 69
JR
Jimmie Rodgers
Singer, Singer-Songwriter · Born Sep 8, 1897 · Died May 26, 1933 (age 35)
FP
Fred Phelps
Lawyer, Pastor · Born Nov 13, 1929 · Died Mar 19, 2014 (age 84)

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