History of Laurel, Mississippi
Laurel is a city located in Jones County, Mississippi|Jones County in Mississippi, a U.S. state|state of the United States|United States of America. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 18,393 although a significant population increase has been reported following Hurricane Katrina. Also, a steady influx of Hispanic immigrant labor over the last few years has been reported. Located in southeast Mississippi, southeast of Jackson, Mississippi|Jackson on Tallahala Creek, Laurel was founded in 1882 as a lumber town. Laurel's major employers include Howard Industries, Sanderson Farms, Masonite Corporation, Family Health Center, Howse Implement, and South Central Regional Medical Center. Laurel is also home to the Cedarwood Recording Studios operated by James Ducker [http://www.gumborock.com/fullsail.html]. An American Indian reservation is located in nearby Sandersville. Laurel is home to the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art (Mississippi's oldest art museum).
Laurel is the principal city of the Laurel Micropolitan Statistical Area.
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