Historical Markers in Lauderdale County, Mississippi
10th Avenue Masonic Cemeteries
Bethany Baptist Church
Birthplace of Jimmie Rodgers
Carnegie Branch Library for Blacks
Cooper Institute
Country Music Comes of Age
Depot Historic District
Dial House Site
Dr. Jeff Anderson House
East Mississippi Female College
Elsie McWilliams
First Presbyterian Church Founded - 1856
Gen. Sam Dale
Gillespie V. "Sonny" Montgomery
Highland Park
Jimmie Rodgers & The Blues
Jimmie Rodgers Father of Country Music
Lauderdale Springs C. S. A. Cemetery
Lewis Edmund "Buck" Crook, Jr.
Lt. Charles Read
Marion C. S. A. Cemetery
Matty Hersee Hospital
McLemore Cemetery
Meridian
Meridian Blues & Jazz
Meridian Rhythm & Blues and Soul Music
Merrehope
Moe Bandy
Old Daleville
Old Pigford Cemetery
Peavey Electronics
Poplar Springs Road Historic District
Ross Alexander Collins
Salem Baptist Church and Cemetery
Site of Meridian College and Conservatory
Site of Meridian Male College
Temple Theater
Urban Center Historic District
Wechsler School
About Lauderdale County
Lauderdale County Timeline
Lauderdale County, Mississippi is located in the eastern part of the state and has a rich and diverse history. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Choctaw and Chickasaw, who utilized the land for hunting and farming.
European settlement in the area began in the early 19th century, with the establishment of small communities and trading posts. Additionally, the arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s helped spur economic growth and attract more settlers to the region.
During the Civil War, Lauderdale County and its surrounding areas were deeply divided, with some residents supporting the Union while others sided with the Confederacy. This led to skirmishes and conflicts within the community, leaving scars that lasted long after the war ended.
In the years following the war, Lauderdale County experienced a period of rebuilding and reconstruction. Agriculture, including the cultivation of cotton and lumber industries, played a significant role in the county's economy. The labor force mainly relied on sharecropping and tenant farming, which shaped the social and economic landscape of the area.
In the 20th century, Lauderdale County continued to grow and develop. Education became a priority, with the establishment of public schools and the expansion of higher education institutions such as Meridian Community College. Today, the county remains a vibrant and diverse community, with a thriving economy and a strong sense of pride in its history and heritage.
European settlement in the area began in the early 19th century, with the establishment of small communities and trading posts. Additionally, the arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s helped spur economic growth and attract more settlers to the region.
During the Civil War, Lauderdale County and its surrounding areas were deeply divided, with some residents supporting the Union while others sided with the Confederacy. This led to skirmishes and conflicts within the community, leaving scars that lasted long after the war ended.
In the years following the war, Lauderdale County experienced a period of rebuilding and reconstruction. Agriculture, including the cultivation of cotton and lumber industries, played a significant role in the county's economy. The labor force mainly relied on sharecropping and tenant farming, which shaped the social and economic landscape of the area.
In the 20th century, Lauderdale County continued to grow and develop. Education became a priority, with the establishment of public schools and the expansion of higher education institutions such as Meridian Community College. Today, the county remains a vibrant and diverse community, with a thriving economy and a strong sense of pride in its history and heritage.
Lauderdale County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Lauderdale County, Mississippi.
- 1833 - Lauderdale County established as one of the original counties of the Mississippi Territory.
- 1836 - Meridian chosen as the county seat.
- Late 1800s - Railroads leading to growth and economic prosperity in the county.
- 1861-1865 - Lauderdale County affected by the Civil War.
- Late 1800s to early 1900s - Lumber industry plays a significant role in the county's economy.
- 1923 - Meridian Naval Air Station established near NAS Meridian.
- 1942-1945 - Naval Air Station plays a crucial role during World War II.
- 1964 - Meridian Civil Rights activists James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner murdered by the Ku Klux Klan.
- Late 20th century - Lauderdale County experiences population growth and industrial development.
- 21st century - Lauderdale County continues to be an important economic and cultural hub in Mississippi.