Explore Meridian, Mississippi, with this interactive street and satellite map.
| City | Meridian |
| State | Mississippi (MS) |
| County | Lauderdale County |
| Country | United States of America |
| Timezone | Central Time (America/Chicago) |
| Latitude | 32.38417 |
| Longitude | -88.689448 |
| Population | 35,052 |
| Density | 251.8 /km² |
| Incorporated | Yes |
| ZIP Codes | 39301, 39307, 39302, 39303, 39304 |
| Area Code | 601 |
| County Seat | Meridian |
| School District | Meridian Public School District |
Meridian rises from the red clay and tangled pine woods of the interior, a place where the light at dusk holds a heavy, bruised violet quality. It lies 52.6 miles north-northeast of Laurel, MS (from Laurel, MS: bearing 28°T), and is situated 4.9 miles southwest of Marion. The landscape is defined by the steady, low-slung presence of Sowashee Creek, which winds through the terrain with a quiet persistence. To the west, the horizon is occasionally broken by the distant, hazy silhouette of Hog Wallow Ridge, a reminder of the rising country beyond the plains. A short distance away, the quiet surface of Lakemont Lake mirrors the dense canopy of oaks and pines that define the local woods. The atmosphere remains thick with the scent of pine needles and damp earth, grounding the town firmly in the stillness of the inland woods. Meridian maintains a rhythm dictated by the land, far removed from any maritime influence, favoring the slow, deliberate pace of the deep interior.
Meridian emerged as a vital junction of iron and steam, its growth tethered to the convergence of major rail lines that once funneled the wealth of the timber and agriculture sectors across the region. The economy evolved from these early locomotive roots, adapting through the decades to house manufacturing facilities and a diverse industrial base that sustains the local workforce. Merchants and laborers built their lives around the steady pulse of the tracks, creating a legacy of industry that remains visible in the sturdy brick facades of the downtown corridor. The soil here supported a robust trade in timber and cotton, providing a foundation for the commerce that still cycles through the local streets today. Even as modern industry shifts, the town retains the pragmatic, hardworking character forged during its initial expansion as a transportation hub. Meridian continues to rely on this enduring spirit of production to navigate the changing demands of the contemporary economic landscape.
Cultural life in Meridian centers on the preservation of heritage and the celebration of the arts, particularly at Highland Park, where the historic carousel draws visitors seeking a tangible connection to the past. The town claims a significant place in the history of American music, most notably as the birthplace of the legendary country singer Jimmie Rodgers, whose influence resonates through the local cultural identity. Annual gatherings and festivals often animate the streets, reflecting the community’s appreciation for its distinct musical and historical lineage. Architecture remains a point of pride, with ornate theaters and homes showcasing a dedication to the aesthetic traditions of the region. Residents move with a sense of local loyalty, valuing the landmarks that have survived the passage of time to anchor their shared experience. Meridian keeps its history present, treating the stories of its citizens as an essential part of the daily environment.
Loading news…
Loading news-world…
Loading news-world…
This page provides an embedded street and satellite map of Meridian, Mississippi. Coordinates: 32.38417, -88.689448. Live weather conditions are sourced directly from the National Weather Service. Real-time local and world news feeds keep the page current.
Detailed location data for Meridian includes the ZIP code (39301, 39307, 39302), telephone area code (601), county seat of Lauderdale County (Meridian), and school district assignment (Meridian Public School District).
Location data is drawn from the USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) and cross-verified against 2020 US Census records by coordinate proximity. Population figures are sourced from the 2020 US Census.
| Page generated | August 2026 |
| Location data | SimpleMaps US Cities Database; coordinates matched to USGS GNIS definitive data |
| Wikipedia validation | Article content matched to USGS GNIS coordinates via Wikipedia geosearch API. |