Meridian is an incredible city in the state of Mississippi, United States, located more exactly in Lauderdale County and being its county seat at the same time. The history of Meridian goes back to 1830, when the Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek allowed European-American settlers to move into the area. Then, the development of the railroads started to increase, and so did Meridian. In 1860, Meridian was officially incorporated as a town and its growth continued. Currently, there are 38.232 people living in Meridian, according to the 2008 census, making it the sixth largest city in the state, as well as the main city of the Meridian Mississippi Micropolitan Area. Surely, Meridian is also a great tourist destination, as it offers numerous attractions and plenty of cultural and recreational possibilities for all of its visitors.
Top Attractions within Meridian
The Riley Center, formerly known as the Grand Opera House, is a performance arts and conference center, as well as one of the most prominent buildings of Meridian. Its construction started in 1890, but the center underwent many restorations until becoming the modern building that it is now. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
The Meridian Museum of Art is housed by another building which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. At first, the building was home to the First Presbyterian Church of Meridian, and then to a Carnegie Library. Since 1970, when it opened as a museum, tourists get the chance to see a wide array of rotating exhibitions, as well as numerous artifacts and historical items that will teach you more about the history and culture of Meridian.
Highland Park is a great recreational facility, being also a historic park. The park is also home to the Highland Park Dentzel Carousel and Shelter Building, which is considered a National Historic Landmark. You will also be able to visit here the Jimmie Rodgers Museum. Additionally, you could relax on the shore of the lake, admiring and feeding the ducks.
