Meridian, Idaho
USA
Geographic Coordinates: 43.611600, -116.398000
Climate: Meridian has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. The area experiences frequent thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes.
Population: 115227
Language: English
Meridian is a city located in Mississippi, United States. It serves as the county seat of Lauderdale County and is the sixth-largest city in the state. The city has a rich history dating back to pre-Civil War times when it was an important transportation hub for trade and commerce. One of Meridian’s most notable landmarks is Union Station, Which was built in 1906 and served as a major train station until 1972. Today, It has been restored and transformed into a multi-use facility that houses offices, Shops, Restaurants, And event spaces. Bonita Lakes Park is another significant attraction in Meridian.
This 3, 300-acre park offers numerous recreational activities such as hiking trails, Fishing spots, Picnic areas, Playgrounds for children along with sports facilities including basketball courts and baseball fields. Several museums are also present in Meridian that showcase its history. The Jimmie Rodgers Museum honors one of America’s first country music stars who was born in Meridian while The Mississippi Industrial Heritage Museum provides visitors with an insight into industrialization during World War II. Meridian’s downtown district features many architectural gems from various eras including Victorian-era homes to Art Deco buildings from the early 20th century.
Visitors can take self-guided walking tours through these neighborhoods or participate in guided tours offered by local organizations like Historic Meridian Foundation. For those interested in exploring nature or wildlife habitats near Meridian should visit Dunn’s Falls Water Park where they can enjoy swimming holes or hike through scenic trails surrounded by lush greenery along with Dunn’s Falls which cascades down over rocks creating beautiful waterfalls to admire.
there are plenty of things to do and see when visiting Meridian; from exploring historical sites such as Union Station or Jimmie Rodgers Museum to enjoying outdoor activities at Bonita Lakes Park or Dunn’s Falls Water Park – there is something for everyone!
- Mississippi Industrial Heritage Museum
- Highland Park Dentzel Carousel and Shelter Building
- Bonita Lakes Park
- Jimmy Rodgers Museum
- The MAX – Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience
- Meridian Little Theatre
- Riley Center for the Performing Arts
- Dentzel Carousel at Highland Park
- Meridian Railroad Museum
- Merrehope Mansion
- Healthcare
- Education
- Retail
- Manufacturing
- Hospitality
Some of the top employers in Meridian include:
- St. Luke’s Health System
- Micron Technology Inc.
- HP Inc.
- Boise State University
- West Ada School District
- Scentsy
The city is also home to several shopping centers like:
- The Village at Meridian
- Boise Towne Square Mall
These provide employment opportunities for many people. Additionally, there are numerous restaurants and hotels throughout the city that contribute to its thriving hospitality industry.
- The Civil War: Meridian played a significant role in the Civil War as it was an important transportation hub for Confederate troops and supplies. In 1864, Union forces led by General William T. Sherman destroyed much of the city during his March to the Sea.
- Jimmie Rodgers: Known as the Father of Country Music, Jimmie Rodgers was born in Meridian in 1897. He is considered one of the most influential country music artists of all time.
- The Freedom Rides: In 1961, a group of civil rights activists known as Freedom Riders arrived in Meridian to challenge segregation on interstate buses. They were met with violence and arrests but their efforts helped bring about change.
- The Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience (The MAX): This museum celebrates Mississippi’s rich cultural heritage and features exhibits on famous Mississippians such as Elvis Presley, Oprah Winfrey, and Morgan Freeman.
- Riley B. King (B.B.King): One of the greatest blues musicians of all time, B.B.King was born near Itta Bena but grew up in Kilmichael before moving to Memphis where he began his career.
- Meridian Symphony Orchestra: Founded in 1962,the orchestra has been performing classical music concerts throughout east-central Mississippi for over fifty years.
- The Duling School: Built-in 1927,the school served students from grades one through twelve until it closed its doors permanently in May 1970.Today,it houses offices,political rallies,and live music performances among other things.
- The Old City Hall Building :Built-in 1915,the building is now home to a museum that tells about local history including Native American artifacts,civil war memorabilia,and more recently,a display honoring Jimmie Rodgers.
- The Wechsler School: Built-in 1910, the school was named after the first superintendent of Meridian Public Schools, J. M. Wechsler. The school served as an elementary school until it closed in 1976 and is now a community center.
- The Meridian Little Theatre: Founded in 1933,the theatre has been producing plays and musicals for over eighty years and has helped to foster a love of performing arts in the community.
- Mississippi Industrial Heritage Museum
- Meridian Museum of Art
- Dentzel Carousel at Highland Park
- Jimmie Rodgers Memorial and Museum
- Meridian Railroad Museum
- Temple Theater for the Performing Arts
- Weidmann’s Restaurant
- Riley Center for the Performing Arts
- Meridian Little Theatre
- The MAX – Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience
- Meridian Community College Eagles: Representing Meridian Community College, the MCC Eagles have a long-standing tradition of success across various sports such as baseball, basketball, softball and tennis.
- Meridian High School Wildcats: Representing Meridian High School, the MHS Wildcats have an impressive history of triumphs in football, basketball and track and field.
- Mississippi Surge: From 2009 to 2014, Mississippi Surge was a minor league ice hockey team that played in the Southern Professional Hockey League.
- Meridian Outlaws Football Team: From 2007 to 2010, The Outlaws were a professional indoor football team that played in the American Indoor Football Association (AIFA).
- Lauderdale County Chiefs: A minor league baseball team from 1946 to 1957 that played across various leagues.
- East Mississippi Roller Derby: Founded in 2011 and based out of Meridian is an all-female roller derby league known as East Mississippi Roller Derby which competes against other teams throughout the region.
These are just some prominent sports teams within or around Meridian with unique histories associated with them located within or around this part of America.
- Threefoot Festival is a music and arts festival that takes place in downtown Meridian.
- The Mississippi State Fair is an annual fair that offers rides, food, and entertainment.
- The Jimmie Rodgers Music Festival is a celebration of the father of country music held every May in Meridian.
- Okatibbee Creek Fest is a family-friendly festival with live music, arts and crafts, food vendors, and more.
- Heart & Soul Fest celebrates African American culture through music, dance, art, and food.
- Christmas on the Square is an annual holiday event featuring Christmas lights displays, live entertainment, and visits from Santa Claus.
- Juneteenth Celebration commemorates the end of slavery in America with live performances by gospel choirs and jazz bands along with cultural events such as parades or picnics to celebrate freedom day for African Americans across the country.
- Queen City Arts Festival features local artists showcasing their work including paintings sculptures jewelry pottery photography etc., along with performing arts like theatre productions or musical performances for visitors to enjoy while they browse through various exhibits from different artists at this annual event held every year in Meridian MS
- The Cazuela – a Mexican restaurant known for their delicious tacos, burritos, and enchiladas.
- Big Daddy’s BBQ – a Southern-style barbecue joint that serves pulled pork, brisket, ribs, and other smoked meats.
- Sakura Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar – a Japanese restaurant that offers hibachi grills and sushi rolls.
- The Yard Milkshake Bar – a dessert spot that serves over-the-top milkshakes with creative toppings like cotton candy and cake slices.
- Hungry Howie’s Pizza – a pizza chain that specializes in flavored crusts like garlic herb and Cajun.
- Sake Sushi & Grill – another Japanese restaurant that serves sushi rolls, bento boxes, and teriyaki dishes.
- Steve’s Uptown Cafe – an American diner with breakfast favorites like omelets and pancakes as well as sandwiches and burgers for lunch.
- Biscuits & Blues Cafe – a Southern-style breakfast spot known for their biscuits smothered in gravy or topped with fried chicken or bacon.
- Thai Time Cuisine – a Thai restaurant that offers curries, stir-fries, noodle dishes, soups and more authentic Thai food options.
- La Pinata Mexican Restaurant – another popular Mexican eatery serving up authentic flavors of Mexico such as fajitas, tacos al pastor, tamales etc.
- Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park: This 58-acre park offers a playground, splash pad, walking trails, picnic areas, and sports fields.
- Settlers Park: This 60-acre park has a playground, fishing pond, BMX track, disc golf course, and sports fields.
- Tully Park: This community park features a playground, basketball court, tennis courts and picnic areas.
- Storey Bark Park: A dog-friendly park with separate areas for small and large dogs to play off-leash.
- Meridian Speedway: A popular destination for car racing fans with events held throughout the year.
- Roaring Springs Waterpark: A family-friendly waterpark with slides and pools for all ages.
- Wahooz Family Fun Zone: An indoor/outdoor entertainment complex featuring mini-golf courses, go-karts tracks and arcade games.
- The Village at Meridian: An outdoor shopping center with restaurants and theaters that hosts various events throughout the year such as concerts in the summer or holiday festivals in winter season.
- Meridian Farmers Market : A weekly farmers market held on Saturdays during summer months where local vendors sell fresh produce , baked goods etc
- Bear Creek Park : Offers multiple soccer fields , baseball diamonds , basketball courts , sand volleyball court etc .
