Why Hattiesburg
Hattiesburg is a city in southern Mississippi, located primarily in Forrest County where it serves as the county seat, while stretching west into Lamar County. Situated at the confluence of the Leaf and Bouie rivers, the city acts as the anchor of the state's Pine Belt region and the principal hub of a four-county metropolitan area encompassing Forrest, Lamar, Covington, and Perry counties. Geographically, it occupies a central location less than 100 miles from the state capital of Jackson, as well as New Orleans, Mobile, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Founded in 1882 by civil engineer William H. Hardy and named in honor of his wife Hattie, the settlement was previously known as Twin Forks and Gordonville prior to its official incorporation in 1884. The development of major rail lines stimulated a massive lumber boom in the surrounding pine forests, transforming the community into a prominent rail center and earning it the nickname "The Hub City." This status as a transport center grew with the eventual intersection of Interstate 59 and U.S. Highways 11, 49, and 98. During the 1960s, Hattiesburg also served as a crucial center for civil rights activism, hosting major voter registration campaigns and sustained peaceful demonstrations.
Visitors to the city can explore notable historic districts and cultural institutions. The Hattiesburg Historic Neighborhood District spans twenty-five blocks and features a large concentration of preserved Victorian-era residences. Each year, the neighborhood holds the Victorian Candlelit Christmas and Holiday Tour of Homes, where thousands of sidewalk candles, church carolers, and horse-drawn carriages line the streets. Another prominent landmark is the African American Military History Museum, housed in a listed 1942 USO building originally constructed for segregated Black service members. Recognized as the only surviving USO structure of its kind in the nation, the museum showcases exhibits detailing African-American military contributions from the Revolutionary War to modern conflicts.
Hattiesburg functions as a major educational center, home to both the University of Southern Mississippi and William Carey University. For outdoor recreation and events, the city features the Hattiesburg Zoo at Kamper Park and hosts the annual statewide Miss Hospitality Pageant. Located just south of the municipality is Camp Shelby, an extensive military installation that serves as the largest U.S. National Guard training base east of the Mississippi River.
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