Anne McKee

Surviving is nothing new for my hometown of Meridian. Actually I think the Queen City could, or perhaps should, publish a surviving primer with detailed instructions: “How to Survive and Survive and Survive, Again.”

 

And always the main ingredient has been and continues to be the people, our good people.

 

Early history in the Western Frontier (now Meridian and Lauderdale County, in part) was rough and tumble. W. H. Sparks, author, said, “The country gave character to the people: both were wild and poor; both were sui generis (unique) in appearance and production, and both seeming to fall away from the richer soil (like Natchez) and were better people of the western portion of the state.”

 

Did you read that? We were “better people of the western portion of the state.”

 

My comment, “Not surprising to me.”

 

So there you have it. Earliest settlers were hardworking, God-fearing and determined to survive – hmm, not much has changed in that regard.

 

We survived The American Civil War and General Sherman’s burning of Meridian in February 1864, when he proclaimed, “Meridian, no longer exists.”

 

I must add, “Sorry, General, you were wrong.”

 

We survived the Cyclone (tornado) of 1906, when Front Street was totally destroyed. It was 1906 when weathermen were none existent and there was no radar to warn the public. Folks were at mercy of the violent winds, and more than 50 citizens were killed including the Chief of Police.

 

There was one bright spot. Meridian’s Mayor at the time had two prize hens, and they were swept away with the wind. However, a week later they were found on 23rd Avenue unharmed. It’s a mystery how the chickens were transported eight blocks with all of their feathers intact.

 

And that’s just two incidents when survival and the rebuilding of Meridian seemed almost hopeless, but hey, it happened. The Queen City never gave up hope.

 

One of the giant personalities of the time was the great Choctaw Chief Pushmataha. He was a friend to all and assisted the settlers, although the Choctaw Nation dominated the land. He helped pioneers adapt to their hard scrabble life as they then taught his people, especially the children, reading, writing and numbers. The settler women introduced Choctaw ladies to the spinning wheel and new ways to make clothing and other essential items. Chief Pushmataha and his braves assisted General Andrew Jackson during the 1815, Battle of New Orleans. Some have said without these brave Choctaw warriors, the battle could have been lost.

 

And all of these things I’ve listed today took place right here in Meridian or very nearby, plus there are many that I haven’t had the space to mention in this column today.

 

My main message – Queen City, surviving is not our first “rodeo” as my Hubs would say. Hey we’ve been “around ” when it comes to surviving.

 

Queen City, surviving – nothing new but oh so, precious.

 

Do you want to know more?

What: Meridian Downtown History Walk

When: Saturday, February 22

Time: Noon to 4 pm

Begins at Dumont Plaza

Presented by Rose Hill Storytellers

Free and open to the public. Great for all ages.