Centennial of Hattiesburg

[West Side]

Formerly Choctaw Territory and later claimed by France, Britain, Spain and United States, this area entered by settlers in early 1800s and known as Ewin Forks, later Gordonville. Chosen as rail center by Captain William H. Hardy in 1880 and later renamed Hattisburg after his wife, Hattie Lott.

Incorporated in 1884, the city grew as rail timber and mercantile hub of south Mississippi. becoming major center of yellow pine industry and by 1911, state's fourth largest city.

Important during both WWI and WWII as location of Camp Shelby, postwar development has enhanced Hattiesburg as educational, medical, mercantile, financial and cultural center of south Mississippi.

[East Side]

"...I was returning from the trip and had reached the banks of a beautiful piney woods stream...during July or perhaps August 1882.

"...I then and there determined to locate a station here because it was the place where the line from the Gulf Coast would cross the New Orleans and Northeastern. I also decided to name the place Hattiesburg for my wife Hattie." -- William H. Hardy

[North Side]

Erected to Commemorate

The Centennial of Hattiesburg

1982

City of Hattiesburg

Bobby L. Chain, Mayor

W.U. Sigler, Commissioner

G.D. Williamson, Commissioner

Monument Committee

R. Web Heidelberg, Chmn.

Alvin Faton

Wiley Fairchild