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74-581: The Central Branch of Mississippi State Libraries is Mitchell Memorial Library. There are four other Branch Libraries of Mississippi State Libraries which include: Although primarily serving students and faculty of the College Of Architecture, Art and Design, the library welcomes the public and offers information on related subjects such as city planning, art, construction, landscape architecture, and interior design. Library faculty and staff assist patrons and provide guidance to all library resources on

148-519: A 45-mile (72 km) radius and 526,500 in a 65-mile (105 km) radius, of which 104,600 and 234,200 people respectively are in the labor force, feeds the economy of the city. The area is served by two military facilities, Naval Air Station Meridian and Key Field , which employ over 4,000 people. NAS Meridian is home to the Regional Counter-Drug Training Academy (RCTA) and the first local Department of Homeland Security in

222-565: A 65-mile (105 km) radius. While the overall population growth of the city has varied, there has been a steady growth in the number and percentage of non-white residents. The only decline in this group was between 1960 and 1970, when the city's overall population declined markedly. In the 2010 Census, the racial makeup of the city was 61.55% African American , 35.71% White , 0.9% Asian , 0.2% Native American , <0.02% Pacific Islander , 0.59% from other races , and 0.89% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.75% of

296-402: A Level II newborn intensive-care unit, and a health and fitness center. In December 2010, Anderson bought Riley Hospital and absorbed its employees and stroke treatment center and rehabilitation services. Rush Foundation Hospital and the related Rush Health Systems operate a Specialty Hospital of Meridian, which offers long-term care for non-permanent patients who require more recovery time in

370-514: A booming automobile industry in the 1920s. Even through the stock market crash of 1929 and the following Great Depression , the city continued to attract new businesses. With escapism becoming popular in the culture during the depth of the Depression, the S. H. Kress & Co. building, built to "provide luxury to the common man," opened in downtown Meridian, as did the Temple Theater , which

444-458: A change in city administrations. The Threefoot Preservation Society was formed in 2013 to raise public awareness and support for the building's renovation, featuring tours of the first floor and anniversary events. Meridian has nine historic districts that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places . The Meridian Downtown Historic District is a combination of two older districts,

518-480: A deputy sheriff, were convicted by an all-white jury in the federal courthouse in Meridian of "depriving the victims of their civil rights". Three defendants were acquitted in the trial for the murders of Chaney, Goodman, and Schwerner. This was the first time that a white jury had convicted "a white official in a civil rights killing." In 2005, the state brought charges in the case for the first time. Edgar Ray Killen

592-674: A hospital setting. Other healthcare facilities in Meridian include the Alliance Health Center and East Mississippi State Hospital, the latter of which has been in operation since 1882. Retail is another major employer in the county, with 5,280 people employed in April 2010. Nearly $ 2 billion annually is spent on retail purchases in the city. The 633,685-square-foot (58,871 m ) Uptown Meridian offers over one hundred shopping venues, including department stores, specialty shops, restaurants, eateries, and United Artists Theatres . Phase I of

666-548: A liaison between the organizations. Plans were underway to renovate the Threefoot Building , but newly elected Mayor Cheri Barry killed the plans in early 2010. Today, the Alliance helps to promote further development and restoration downtown; its goal is to assist businesses such as specialty shops, restaurants, and bars because these help downtown become more active during the day and at night. The Meridian Downtown Association

740-425: A merchant from Kemper County , bought the remaining 80 acres (0.32 km ). Ragsdale and Ball, now known as the founders of the city, began laying out lots for new development on their respective land sections. There was much competition over the proposed name of the settlement. Ball and the more industrial residents of the city supported the name "Meridian," believing the term to be synonymous with "junction";

814-533: A number of Carnegie libraries built for blacks in the Southern United States during the segregation era. The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience (the MAX) is located in downtown Meridian. Jimmie Rodgers , the "Father of Country Music", was born in Meridian. Highland Park houses a museum which displays memorabilia of his life and career, as well as railroad equipment from the steam-engine era. The park

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888-501: A separate runway, Joe Williams Outlying Landing Field (OLF), approximately 25 miles northwest of the main air station. Joe Williams OLF is an 8,000 foot long runway located in a rural area between the communities of Bogue Chitto and De Kalb . The field is used to reduced traffic congestion at the main air station, primarily when students are conducting Field Carrier Landing Practice in preparation for initial aircraft carrier qualification. HH-1N Huey helicopters were formerly used by

962-621: A strategic trading center. During the Civil War , General William Tecumseh Sherman burned much of the city to the ground in the Battle of Meridian (February 1864). Rebuilt after the war, the city entered a "Golden Age". It became the largest city in Mississippi between 1890 and 1930, and a leading center for manufacturing in the South, with 44 trains arriving and departing daily. Union Station , built in 1906,

1036-540: A twenty-nine county regional response task force. Key Field is the site of the famous flight by brothers Fred and Al Key , who set a world endurance flight record in 1935. Key Field is now home to the 186th Air Refueling Wing of the Air National Guard and a support facility for the 185th Aviation Brigade of the Army National Guard . The site also contains an exhibit reviewing the history of aviation, and

1110-520: Is also home to four industrial parks. Naval Air Station Meridian Naval Air Station Meridian or NAS Meridian ( ICAO : KNMM , FAA LID : NMM ) is a military airport located 11 miles northeast of Meridian, Mississippi in Lauderdale County and Kemper County , and is one of the Navy's two jet strike pilot training facilities. On July 16, 1957, the first shovel of earth was thrown, marking

1184-512: Is also home to the Highland Park Dentzel Carousel , a National Historic Landmark . It is the world's only two-row stationary Dentzel menagerie in existence. Other notable natives include Miss America 1986 Susan Akin ; James Chaney , an activist who was one of three civil rights workers murdered in 1964; singer Paul Davis ; and Hartley Peavey , founder of Peavey Electronics headquartered in Meridian. The federal courthouse

1258-433: Is around 90 °F (32 °C) and the average low is around 70 °F (21 °C). In winter (December through February) the average maximum is around 60 °F (16 °C) and minimum 35 °F (2 °C). The warmest month is July, with an average high of 92.9 °F (33.8 °C), and the coldest month of the year is January with an average low of 34.7 °F (1.5 °C). The average annual precipitation in

1332-783: Is located in the East Central Hills region of Mississippi in Lauderdale County . According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 54.50 square miles (141.2 km ), of which 53.74 square miles (139.2 km ) are land and 0.76 square miles (2.0 km ), or 1.40%, are water. Along major highways, the city is 93 mi (150 km) east of Jackson, Mississippi; 154 mi (248 km) west of Birmingham, Alabama; 202 mi (325 km) northeast of New Orleans, Louisiana; 231 mi (372 km) southeast of Memphis, Tennessee; and 297 mi (478 km) west of Atlanta, Georgia. The area surrounding

1406-409: Is now a multi-modal center, with access to Amtrak and Greyhound Buses averaging 242,360 passengers per year. Although the economy slowed with the decline of the railroad industry, the city has diversified, with healthcare, military, and manufacturing employing the most people in 2010. The population within the city limits, according to 2008 census estimates, is 38,232, but a population of 232,900 in

1480-592: Is primarily focused on increasing foot traffic downtown by organizing special events, and the Meridian Main Street program supports existing businesses downtown. Given Meridian's site as a railroad junction, its travelers have attracted the development of many hotels. Even before Meridian reached its "Golden Age," several large hotels, including the Great Southern and the Grand Avenue hotels, were built before

1554-441: Is the home of Meridian's Aviation Museum. The total manufacturing employment of Lauderdale County in April 2010 was 2,850 people. Peavey Electronics Corporation, which has manufactured guitars, amplifiers, and sound equipment since 1965, operates its headquarters in the city. Other businesses in the area include Avery Dennison , Structural Steel Services, Bimbo Bakeries USA , Tower Automotive , and Teikuro Corporation. The city

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1628-585: Is the largest non-military employer in the region, employing 2,610 people. Among the city's many arts organizations and historic buildings are the Riley Center , the Meridian Museum of Art , Meridian Little Theatre, and the Meridian Symphony Orchestra. Meridian was home to two Carnegie libraries, one for whites and one for African Americans. The Carnegie Branch Library , now demolished, was one of

1702-618: The Meridian Urban Center Historic District . As the city grew, the hotels reflected ambitions of the strong economy, as evidenced by the 11-story skyscraper Lamar Hotel built in 1927. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, the Lamar Hotel was adapted for use as a county annex building. In 1988 it was listed as a Mississippi Landmark . The E.F. Young Hotel was built in 1931. A staple in

1776-618: The Southern Baptist Convention , 9,469 (18.6%) were with the United Methodist Church , and 1,872 (3.7%) were associated with the Catholic Church. Immigrant Jews from Germany and eastern Europe were influential in commercial development of the city, building businesses and services. Congregation Beth Israel was founded in 1868, just before the city's "Golden Age." Meridian once had the largest Jewish community in

1850-489: The population density was 885.9 inhabitants per square mile (342.0/km ). In 2008, the city was the sixth largest in the state. The population increased as of 2010. Meridian is the principal city in the Meridian micropolitan area , which as of 2009 consisted of three counties – Clarke , Kemper , and Lauderdale – and had a population of 106,139. There is a population of 232,900 in a 45-mile (72 km) radius and 526,500 in

1924-498: The 1950s, the city has adapted, moving from a largely rail-based economy to a more diversified one, with healthcare, military, and manufacturing employing the most people. Along with Lauderdale County and the city of Marion , Meridian is served by the East Mississippi Business Development Corporation, which was formed in 1996 by a group of business leaders from the area. While as of April 2010,

1998-476: The 1950s, when the affordability of automobiles and the subsidized Interstate Highway System drew off passengers from the trains. The decline of the railroad industry, which went through considerable restructuring among freight lines as well, caused significant job losses. The city's population declined as workers left for other areas. the American Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, Meridian

2072-588: The African-American business district that developed west of the city's core, the hotel was one of the only places in the city during the years of segregation where a traveling African American could find a room. As the city suburbs developed in the 1960s and '70s, most hotels moved outside of downtown. Rehabilitation of the Riley Center in 2006 has increased demand and a push for a new downtown hotel. The Threefoot Building has been proposed for redevelopment for this purpose, but restoration efforts stalled with

2146-460: The College of Architecture, fifth year program, as well as practicing architects, state legislators and any members of the general public with an interest in architecture. The library offers information on related subjects such as city planning, art, construction, landscape architecture, and interior design. Library faculty assists patrons and provide guidance to all library resources housed locally and on

2220-510: The MSU campus. The CVM Library services and programs are designed to meet the teaching, research, and clinical needs of the College of Veterinary Medicine. The library faculty/staff also serve the information needs of practicing veterinarians, the general MSU community and any members of the general public with an interest in animal health. The Meridian Campus Library provides access to a wide variety of electronic resources. The students and faculty of

2294-783: The Meridian Urban Center Historic District and the Union Station Historic District. Many architectural styles are present in the districts, most from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including Queen Anne , Colonial Revival , Italianate , Art Deco , Late Victorian , and bungalow . The districts are:  1  East End Historic District – roughly bounded by 18th St, 11th Ave, 14th St, 14th Ave, 5th St, and 17th Ave.  2  Highlands Historic District – roughly bounded by 15th St, 34th Ave, 19th St, and 36th Ave.  3  Meridian Downtown Historic District – runs from

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2368-669: The Mississippi State University Meridian Campus also have access to the same print and electronic resources and services as Mississippi State University-Starkville Campus users and, through a partnership between the MSU Libraries and Meridian Community College, may also use the services of the L. O. Todd Library Resource Center. Located at 509 East Capitol Street, Jackson, Mississippi , the Jackson Architecture Center serves students and faculty of

2442-547: The Performing Arts." After ownership of the Meridian Main Street was transferred to the Alliance for Downtown Meridian in late 2007, the two organizations, along with the Meridian Downtown Association, spearheaded the downtown revitalization effort. The Alliance serves as an umbrella organization , allowing the other two organizations to use its support staff and housing, and in turn the Alliance serves as

2516-573: The South. The wealth generated by this strong economy resulted in residents constructing many fine buildings, now preserved as historic structures, including the Grand Opera House in 1890, the Wechsler School in 1894, two Carnegie libraries in 1913, and the Threefoot Building , Meridian's tallest skyscraper, in 1929. The city continued to grow thanks to a commission government 's efforts to bring in 90 new industrial plants in 1913 and

2590-518: The Starkville campus. 33°27′12″N 88°47′16″W  /  33.453385°N 88.787814°W  / 33.453385; -88.787814 Meridian, Mississippi Meridian is the eighth most populous city in the U.S. state of Mississippi , with a population of 35,052 at the 2020 census . It is the county seat of Lauderdale County and the principal city of the Meridian, Mississippi Micropolitan Statistical Area . Along major highways,

2664-454: The aftermath of the Civil War, and experienced its "Golden Age" from 1880 to 1910. The railroads in the area provided for both passenger transportation and industrial needs, stimulating industry, businesses and a population boom. Related commercial activity increased in the downtown area. Between 1890 and 1930, Meridian was the largest city in Mississippi and a leading center for manufacturing in

2738-447: The area resented the activism, and physically attacked civil rights workers. In June 1964, Chaney, Schwerner, and Goodman went to Neshoba County, Mississippi , to meet with members of a black church that had been bombed and burned. The three disappeared that night on their way back to Meridian. Following a massive FBI investigation, their murdered bodies were found two months later, buried in an earthen dam. Seven Klansmen , including

2812-525: The battle. Race relations were tense during the Reconstruction era , as whites resisted freedmen being allowed to choose their labor, vote, and have freedom of movement. Following a fire that damaged many businesses, the riot of 1871 erupted, with whites attacking blacks in the community. The black community had expanded after the war, as people moved to the city for more opportunity and to create community away from white supervision. The town boomed in

2886-784: The beginning of the Naval Auxiliary Air Station (NAAS), which was commissioned July 19, 1961. Captain W.F. Krantz, USN received the golden key to the air station, and senior Mississippi U.S. Senator John C. Stennis was the guest speaker for the ceremony that opened the $ 60 million base. At that time, the operations area was named McCain Field in honor of the late Admiral John S. McCain, Sr. of Teoc , Mississippi . Training Squadron SEVEN ( VT-7 ) arrived at NAAS Meridian July 12, 1961, then split to form its sister squadron, Training Squadron NINE ( VT-9 ) on December 15. In September 1965, hundreds of planes from Florida bases arrived to escape

2960-417: The city is 58.65 in (1,490 mm). Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, and the wettest month of the year is March, in which an average of 6.93 in (176 mm) of rain falls. Much rainfall is delivered by thunderstorms which are common during the summer months but occur throughout the year. Severe thunderstorms – which can produce damaging winds and/or large hail in addition to

3034-501: The city is 93 mi (150 km) east of Jackson ; 154 mi (248 km) southwest of Birmingham, Alabama ; 202 mi (325 km) northeast of New Orleans, Louisiana ; and 231 mi (372 km) southeast of Memphis, Tennessee . Established in 1860, at the junction of the Mobile and Ohio Railroad and Southern Railway of Mississippi, Meridian built an economy based on the railways and goods transported on them, and it became

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3108-472: The city is covered with oak and pine forests, and its topography consists of clay hills and the bottom lands of the head waters of the Chickasawhay River . The natural terrain of the area has been modified in the urban core of the city by grading , but maintains its gentle rolling character in the outlying areas. Numerous small creeks are found throughout the city, and small lakes and woodlands lie in

3182-425: The city was $ 15,255. About 24.6% of families and 28.6% of the population were below the poverty line , including 40.8% of those under age 18 and 22.0% of those age 65 or over. The population of Meridian and its surrounds is fairly observant, with 65.2% of Lauderdale County affiliated with some type of religious congregation, compared to the national average of 50.2%. Of the affiliated in 2000, 30,068 (59.0%) were in

3256-472: The city worked to designate several areas as historic districts in the 1970s and 80s to preserve the architectural character of the city. The Meridian Historic Districts and Landmarks Commission was created in 1979, and the Meridian Main Street program was founded in 1985. Meridian Main Street organized several projects to revitalize downtown. This included construction of a new Amtrak Station in 1997, based on

3330-487: The city's civilian labor force was only 15,420 people, there is a population of 232,900 in a 45-mile (72 km) radius and 526,500 in a 65-mile (105 km) radius, of which 104,600 and 234,200 people respectively are in the labor force. The city thus serves as a hub of employment, retail, health care, and culture activities. Eighty percent of Lauderdale County's workers reside in the county while 90% live within 45 miles. In April 2020, there were 5,101 people employed in

3404-400: The city's founding until 1970, although varying from rates as high as 165% to as low as 0.2%. In the 1970 census the population decreased, then slightly increased by 1980, after which the population slowly declined, increasing again since the turn of the 21st century. Between 1980 and 2000, the population declined more than 14%. As of the census of 2000, the city's population was 39,968, and

3478-441: The city, destroying the railroads in every direction, as well as an arsenal and immense storehouses; his forces burned many of the buildings to the ground. Sherman is reported to have said afterwards, "Meridian, with its depots, store-houses, arsenal, hospitals, offices, hotels, and cantonments no longer exists." Despite the destruction, workers rapidly repaired the railroad lines and they were back in operation 26 working days after

3552-529: The command. The Air Operations Department employs 230 military and civilian personnel to operate NAS Meridian/McCain Field and Naval Outlying Landing Field (NOLF) Joe Williams. Their primary mission is to support Commander, Training Air Wing ONE , the wing's subordinate training squadrons and its associated T-45 Goshawk aircraft in the conduct of undergraduate strike pilot training. Additional services are furnished to support operations for NAS and transient military aircrews. Air Traffic Control Division operates

3626-480: The command. Responsibilities include: processing military personnel matters with the Personnel Support Activity Detachment, Meridian; processing special requests, leave and TAD orders, evaluations and command correspondence; maintaining command directives and correspondence files; providing duplicating services and messenger systems; and coordinating administrative systems and services throughout

3700-732: The construction of Meridian Crossroads, a 375,000-square-foot (34,800 m ) shopping center in the Bonita Lakes area, was completed in November 2007, providing a major boost to retail in the area. Also, the shopping district on North Hills Street has continued to expand, and in March 2007, additional retail and office space was opened near the Highway 19 Walmart Supercenter. The area is also served by two military facilities, Naval Air Station Meridian and Key Field , which supply over 4,000 jobs to residents of

3774-779: The control tower and radar final control systems. They provide flight planning services and issue clearances and instructions to pilots for all phases of military flight operations within the vicinity of the airport. Ground Electronics Maintenance Division (GEMD) ensures all assigned UHF , VHF and FM radio communications, air navigation aids, weather monitoring/reporting equipment and precision approach radars required to conduct safe and effective flight operations around NAS Meridian and its outlying field operate at or above designated performance standards. GEMD also provides sound support services and functions as point of contact for matters related to 3M, frequency management, equipment configuration and computer repair/assistance. NAS Meridian maintains

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3848-522: The dedication of the new Naval Technical Training Center (NTTC). Known locally as the Stennis Center, it was officially commissioned April 17, 1974. NAS Meridian was selected and upgraded to a Major Shore Command on October 1, 1982. In March 1984, NAS Meridian was one of 15 installations chosen for the Department of Defense Model Installation Program. In September 1985, the enlisted galley was dedicated to

3922-514: The design of the historic train station used during Meridian's Golden Age; it had been demolished. Other projects included renovation of the Rosenbaum Building in 2001 and Weidmann's Restaurant in 2002, as well as support for integrated urban design. Meridian Main Street, along with The Riley Foundation, helped renovate and adapt the historic Grand Opera House in 2006 for use as the "Mississippi State University Riley Center for Education and

3996-598: The former Gulf, Mobile and Ohio Railroad north to 6th St between 18th and 26th Ave, excluding Ragsdale Survey Block 71.  6  Merrehope Historic District – roughly bounded by 33rd Ave, 30th Ave, 14th St, and 8th St.  7  Mid-Town Historic District – roughly bounded by 23rd Ave, 15th St, 28th Ave, and 22nd St.  8  Poplar Springs Road Historic District – roughly bounded by 29th St, 23rd Ave, 22nd St, and 29th Ave.  9  West End Historic District – roughly bounded by 7th St, 28th Ave, Shearer's Branch, and 5th St. Meridian

4070-463: The healthcare field in Lauderdale County. Rush Health Systems is the largest healthcare organization in the region, employing 2,465 people, followed by Anderson Regional Health System with 1,343 and East Mississippi State Hospital with 943. There are two hospitals in Meridian, as well as many other healthcare-related facilities. Anderson Regional Medical Center provides cardiovascular surgery,

4144-533: The memory of Marine Lance Corporal Roy M. Wheat , a Mississippi native and Medal of Honor recipient who was killed in Vietnam . NAS Meridian supports aviation and technical training, and other tenant activities. Departments working under the NAS Commanding Officer form the backbone for the entire installation's functioning. The Administrative Services Department provides general administrative services for

4218-468: The more agrarian residents of the city preferred " Sowashee " (meaning "mad river" in Choctaw, from the name of a nearby creek); and Ragsdale proposed "Ragsdale City." Ball erected a station house on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad – the sign on which would alternate between "Meridian" and "Sowashee" each day. Eventually the continued development of the railroads led to an influx of railroad workers who overruled

4292-485: The northern and southern portions of the city. Sowashee Creek runs through the southern portion of the city and is fed by Gallagher's Creek, which flows through the center of the city. Loper's Creek runs through the far-western part of the city, while smaller creeks including Shearer's Branch, Magnolia Creek, and Robbins Creek are dispersed throughout the city. Meridian is in the humid subtropical climate zone. The average high temperature during summer (June through August)

4366-599: The others in the city and left "Meridian" on the station permanently. The town was officially incorporated as Meridian on February 10, 1860. At the start of the American Civil War in 1861, Meridian was still a small village. But the Confederates made use of its strategic position at the railroad junction and constructed several military installations there to support the war. During the Battle of Meridian in 1864, Union General William Tecumseh Sherman led troops into

4440-439: The population. According to the 2000 Census, of the 17,890 housing units inside city limits, 15,966 were occupied, 10,033 of them by families. 31.1% of occupied households had children under the age of 18, 36.2% were married couples living together, 23.3% consisted of a female householder with no husband present, and 37.2% were non-families. 33.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.0% had someone living alone who

4514-409: The start of the 20th century, with five major rail lines and 44 trains coming in and out daily. The city's economy not only depended on the rails but the goods, such as timber and cotton, transported on them. With these rail-based industries, the city was a great economic power in the state and region from about 1890 through 1930. Though its economy slowed with the decline of the railroading industry in

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4588-583: The start of the 20th century. With the growth of the railroads and the construction of the original Union Station in 1906, many hotels were constructed for passengers and workers. The Elmira Hotel was constructed in 1905, and the Terminal Hotel was constructed in 1910. Hotel Meridian was constructed in 1907, and Union Hotel was built in 1908. Union Hotel was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, and both Hotel Meridian and Grand Avenue Hotel were listed as contributing properties to

4662-469: The state, with 575 Jewish people living in the city in 1927. Today, fewer than 40 Jews live in Meridian, most of whom are elderly. Romani people also call Meridian home, including Kelly Mitchell, Queen of the Gipsy Nation , from whom the city may have derived the nickname "Queen City". Early on, the economy depended greatly upon the railroads in the area. The city was the largest in Mississippi around

4736-527: The state. Students in Training Air Wing ONE (Strike Flight Training) train in the T-45C Goshawk training jet. Key Field is named after brothers Fred and Al Key , who set a world endurance flight record in 1935. The field is now home to the 186th Air Refueling Wing of the Air National Guard and a support facility for the 185th Aviation Brigade of the Army National Guard . Rush Foundation Hospital

4810-411: The surrounding area. NAS Meridian provides training for naval carrier pilots and other enlisted personnel. Also housed at the base is the Regional Counter-Drug Training Academy (RCTA), which provides narcotics training for law enforcement in many southeastern states. Containing the first local Department of Homeland Security in the state, the city is the leader in a nine county regional response team and

4884-410: The treaty was ratified, European-American settlers began to move into the area. After receiving a federal land grant of about 2,000 acres (810 ha), Richard McLemore, the first settler of Meridian, began offering free land to newcomers to attract more settlers to the region and develop the area. Most of McLemore's land was bought in 1853 by Lewis A. Ragsdale, a lawyer from Alabama. John T. Ball,

4958-474: The usual hazards of lightning and heavy rain – occasionally occur. These are most common during the spring months with a secondary peak during the fall months. These storms also bring the risk of tornadoes. As of the 2020 United States Census , there were 35,052 people, 15,947 households, and 9,285 families residing in the city. The city's growth has reflected the push and pull of many social and economic factors. The total population increased in each census from

5032-470: The wrath of Hurricane Betsy . The Naval Auxiliary Air Station continued to grow, and by July 1968, the station became a full Naval Air Station . The years brought an increase in building development and family housing units. In 1968, and again in 1969, 300 aircraft from Naval Air Station Pensacola , Florida arrived to escape the fury and destruction of Hurricane Gladys and Hurricane Camille , respectively. In August 1971, Training Air Wing ONE (TRAWING ONE)

5106-458: Was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 3.06. The average household size has steadily decreased since 1970, when it was 3.04. Meridian's median age has increased from 30.4 in 1970 to 34.6 in 2000. The median income for a household in the city was $ 25,085, and the median income for a family was $ 31,062. Males had a median income of $ 29,404 versus $ 19,702 for females. The per capita income for

5180-499: Was commissioned and Training Squadron NINETEEN (VT-19) was also established. The Wing motto became "Readiness for Victory at Sea through Training." That October saw the arrival of the TA-4J, the new advanced jet trainer based on the A-4 "Skyhawk." In April 1973, President Richard M. Nixon , accompanied by Senator John C. Stennis and many other high-ranking military and civilian officials, attended

5254-431: Was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 60 years in prison. Meridian later honored Chaney by renaming a portion of 49th Avenue after him and holding an annual memorial service. Starting in the 1960s and following the construction of highways that made commuting easier, residents began to move away from downtown in favor of new housing subdivisions to the north. After strip commercial interests began to move downtown,

5328-424: Was first used as a movie house. The federal courthouse was built in 1933 as a WPA project. After a brief slowdown of the economy at the end of the Depression, the country entered World War II, which renewed the importance of railroads. The rails were essential to transport gasoline and scrap metal to build military vehicles, so Meridian became the region's rail center again. This renewed prosperity continued until

5402-515: Was home to a Council of Federated Organizations (COFO) office and several other activist organizations. James Chaney and other local residents, along with Michael Schwerner , his wife Rita, and Andrew Goodman , volunteers from New York City, worked to create a community center. They held classes during Freedom Summer to help prepare African Americans in the area to prepare to regain their constitutional franchise, after having been excluded from politics since disenfranchisement in 1890. Whites in

5476-594: Was the site of the 1966–1967 trial of suspects in the murder of Chaney and two other activists. For the first time, an all-white jury convicted a white official of a civil rights killing. Previously inhabited by the Choctaw Native Americans , the area now called Meridian was obtained by the United States under the terms of the Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek in 1830 during the period of Indian removal . After

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