Meridian, MS Summary

One of the important industrial and railroad centers during the Civil War, Meridian still keeps a firm grip on manufacturing as its principal economy. Today its most important business is Peavey Electronics, the largest manufacturer of amplifiers for the music industry. With a population of 40,835 the city is now the state’s third largest.

Though Meridian is primarily used as a pit stop at the junction of I-20 and I-59, the Peavey Visitor Center and Museum is worth a look for those with a desire to road test the company’s highly regarded guitars, keyboards, and drums. You can also visit the Jimmy Rodgers Museum, dedicated to country music’s “Singing Brakeman,” where an exhibit features an outdoor locomotive and various railroad paraphernalia along with Rodgers’ guitar.

The town of Chunky, 10 miles west by I-20, is host to the Chunky Rhythm and Blues Festival, held every July. There are bus, rail, and road links.