Lauderdale County Tourism Commission

Visit Meridian – Your Ideal Road Trip

‘Which came first, Meridian or its post office?’ That is one of the unsolved mysteries surrounding the founding of this community. In 1853, Richard McLemore sold property for the city to John T. Ball and Lewis A Ragsdale. Immediately, the two set about to attract new settlers. As an added attraction, Ball persuaded the government to rent space for a post office. Every post office has to have a name. Ball suggested Meridian, believing the term to mean junction. He was already thinking of the coming railroads. From 1910 to 1930, Meridian became Mississippi’s largest city; a transportation center, a commercial center and an industrial center. (Meridian, the Queen with a Past, Jack Shank.)

This is just one of many interesting facts about Meridian. “Meridian is an amazing community to be able to share with visitors. As locals, we tend to take for granted what our town has to offer. We get daily reminders from visitors that we do really have something special here,” states Dede Mogollon, Executive Director, Lauderdale County Tourism Commission / Visit Meridian. Legislation was enacted in 1997 to establish the Lauderdale County Tourism Commission, and Visit Meridian is the advertising arm to visitors for our City and County. 

Funding for the Tourism Commission derives from hotel stays. Therefore, visitors primarily pay for tourism efforts in Meridian. The only other source of funding they receive are grants or partner co-ops.  While they are a department of the County, they are branded Visit Meridian so potential visitors can easily find them. Their staff of four has a combined 80+ years of experience in the hospitality-tourism industry. They know their business and they know Meridian!!

The Tourism Department has seen a lot of businesses come and go. In their experience, those who succeed have done an IMMENSE amount of homework. They know what their customers are looking for and how to reach them.  They deliver their product with customer service in mind. “Partnership with the EMBDC, the City, and all our Tourism partners is invaluable to any business. We are a long-time member and partner to the EMBDC. We would not be able to do many things without the collaboration of all these entities,” adds Dede.   

“We often hear from visitors that Meridian is a real jewel. It is a special place to which they will return.  This is the best motivation we can have to keep doing a great job every day.” 

Lauderdale County Tourism Commission / Visit Meridian
2000 Front St. Suite A, Meridian, MS