About this city
Also known as: The Hub City
Strategically positioned at the historic junction of major railway lines in southeastern Mississippi's Piney Woods region, Hattiesburg serves as the county seat of Forrest County. Established in 1882 by pioneer Captain William H. Hardy and named after his beloved wife Hattie, the settlement boomed into a wealthy timber shipping and processing capital during the late 19th-century railroad expansion. Hattiesburg holds a major place in military history as the neighbor to Camp Shelby, one of the nation's largest active military training operations since World War I. Today, affectionately known as 'The Hub City', Hattiesburg is a vibrant academic and healthcare powerhouse, anchoring both the University of Southern Mississippi and William Carey University, while boasting an award-winning culinary and creative arts culture.
Location & Administrative
Transportation & Accessibility
Weather & Timing
Economics & Local Vibe
Practical Tourism Metadata
Suggested stay: 1–2 days
Tour the historic military tanks, weapons, and immersive wartime pavilions at the Mississippi Armed Forces Museum inside Camp Shelby. Stroll through the lush, rose-lined pathways and collegiate plazas at the University of Southern Mississippi. Bike or run along the beautiful, tree-lined 44-mile Longleaf Trace rail trail.
