Laurel: Theater, Blues, and Timber History

Laurel, Mississippi, grew with the timber industry and has a historic downtown featuring a variety of architectural styles. Theater, blues, and an art museum offer further reasons to visit.

Timber and the Cityscape

• Laurel was founded in 1882 and developed as the timber industry grew.
• At the beginning of the 20th century, Laurel processed and shipped more yellow pine lumber than any other place in the world.
• The Laurel Central Historic District features Classical Revival, Bungalow/Craftsman, and Queen Anne architectural styles.

Theater, Blues, and Art

• The Arabian Theatre was built as part of a 1927 addition behind the Pinehurst Hotel.
• After more than six decades and over 240 productions, the Arabian Theatre remains the center of community theater in Laurel.
• The area around Laurel in southeastern Mississippi was a center of musical activity and home to several well-known blues musicians, including harmonica player Sam Myers, singer Albennie Jones, and guitarist Blind Roosevelt Graves.
• The Laurel Mother's Day Blues Festival began its long-running series of events in 1987.
• The Lauren Rogers Museum of Art opened in 1923 as a memorial to Lauren Eastman Rogers.
• Born in Laurel, Leontyne Price began formal musical training at the age of five.

Downtown

• Trustmark Art Park is a family-friendly green space beneath shady oak trees in downtown Laurel.
• The Laurel-Jones County Visitor Center includes an apartment furnished to depict life for a typical family in 1940.

Choose the Right Accommodation

The blues festival began in 1987; this does not indicate a current event date. Check the Arabian Theatre and art museum for their current programs. When comparing a vacation rental, check its actual location in relation to downtown and the individual details of the property.

For regional context: Jones.