Laurel
True to the nature of the Southern United States, Laurel, Mississippi has a lot of charm and a small-town appeal that is very enticing. Located in the southern portion of the state, Laurel is convenient to nearby Hattiesburg and Jackson, and is only a short drive from Biloxi, and the Gulf Coast. When Laurel was established in 1882, it was a small lumber town, though with the addition of the railroad and multiple large lumber mills in subsequent years, the city flourished and became the largest producer of yellow pine in the world. In the 1940's, oil became a commodity in the area, which has continued, as Laurel now houses more than 150 individual companies in the oil and gas business.
While Laurel remains a thriving city for commerce, industry, and history, it maintains the small-town charm that people come to know and love. With less than 20,000 residents, Laurel offers a fine mix between modern convenience and opportunity, and rich Southern heritage.