Senate Concurrent Resolution 534

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING THE 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE CITY OF RIDGELAND, MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, 2024 marks a significant milestone as the City of Ridgeland celebrates its 125th Anniversary. Mayor Gene McGee and the Ridgeland Board of Aldermen have implemented their vision of developing a centralized region for future commerce and entertainment; and

WHEREAS, the City of Ridgeland is a wonderful place for family and friends. Situated just north of the Capital City, Ridgeland is convenient to the largest metropolitan area in Mississippi while offering some of the state's finest shopping, dining, arts and entertainment. The community fosters friendly neighborhoods, healthy lifestyles and clean parks and streets. Ridgeland has been named "Tree City USA," "Bronze Level Bicycle Friendly Community," and one of the "100 Best Places to Live" by MONEY magazine. Ridgeland's history is a central part of the history of Mississippi:

· In 1805, the Choctaw Indian Agency, headed by Silas Dinsmoor, was located in what is now Ridgeland. The structure was then called "Turner Brashear's Stand" until about 1850. It was adapted for use as a hotel named the King's Inn. During the American Civil War, General Stephen Lee used the inn as a headquarters. The hotel continued to operate until 1896, when it was destroyed by fire;

· In 1853, James B. Yellowley founded the Community of Yellowley's Crossing (later named "Jessamine" after his wife). In 1896, Edward Treakle and Gordon Nichols, two real estate developers from Chicago, purchased the land from Yellowley and established the Highland Colony Company. They created plans for a town to be named "Ridgeland" and launched an advertising campaign to entice people from the northern United States to move south. Agriculture was the community's dominant revenue source, with pears and strawberries as the leading crops grown for sale;

· In the early 20th Century, Ridgeland was home to a hotel, sawmill, and a canning company. The main business section of Ridgeland was along Jackson Street, due to the Illinois Central Railroad located on the street. In 1910, a two-room school was created, and the schools combined with those of Madison by 1925. Rapid growth in the city's population began in the 1960s. Northpark Mall opened in 1984 and brought more growth to the area. Highland Colony Parkway was built in the 1990s; and

WHEREAS, the City of Ridgeland is introducing a Virtual History Room located at City Hall and on the city's website, featuring historical archives of Ridgeland's first families. "The first families are significant to the city's history and they have left a rich heritage. A vital part of being a community is remembering its heritage and being thankful for those who took the time to plan for the future of our great City," said Mayor Gene McGee; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we join the administration and the citizens of Ridgeland in commemorating this city's history and focus on its bright future ahead:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commemorate the 125th Anniversary of the founding of the City of Ridgeland, Mississippi, and extend the best wishes of the Legislature on this auspicious occasion.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Mayor Gene McGee and the Ridgeland Board of Aldermen, forwarded to the Mississippi Division of Tourism, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.