Time Zone |
America/New_York |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC-5 |
Daylight Saving Time |
UTC-4 |
Time Zone |
America/Chicago |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC-6 |
Daylight Saving Time |
UTC-5 |
Meridian is not located in the state of Georgia, but is an important city in the eastern part of the U.S. state of Mississippi and is the county seat of Lauderdale County. The city is located in the Gulf Coast region, about 90 miles from the state capital of Jackson, and has a population of about 40,000, making it the sixth largest city in Mississippi.
Founded in the mid-19th century, Meridian quickly developed into a major transportation hub due to the railroad interchange, and is known as the "Queen City. It was an important strategic location during the Civil War and has a large number of surviving Victorian buildings. Today, the city maintains a three-dimensional transportation network of railroads, highways and a regional airport.
The city's economy is based on healthcare, manufacturing and retail, with several major medical centers. Culturally it is known for its rich blues music heritage and is home to many musicians. Specialty events such as the Meridian Helen Keller Festival are held annually, and the city's Marks Museum of Art and state parks attract many visitors.
Meridian is home to several institutions of higher education, including Meridian Community College. Surrounded by dense pine forests, the city enjoys a mild subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. The downtown area is being revitalized in recent years through urban renewal projects, preserving its historic character while developing modern businesses.
Ruby is a small incorporated town in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana, United States, located about 60 miles northeast of the state capital of Baton Rouge and adjacent to the Mississippi border, and characterized by a quiet rural atmosphere and a deep community culture. Sparsely populated, with fewer than 500 people according to the most recent census, the town dates back to the late 1800s and, with its early rise to an agricultural economy (e.g., cotton and soybean farming), still retains the rustic look of a traditional Southern town. The town's landmarks include a century-old community church and several Victorian-style homes, and the annual fall "Ruby Family Day," which blends elements of local Cajun and Creole culture, has become a shared memory for the surrounding residents. Despite its small size, Ruby epitomizes the serenity of the American countryside with its simple folk and distinctive Louisiana southern flavor.