George County is located in the southeastern corner of Mississippi, just south of Jackson and Hattiesburg. It is bordered to the north by Greene County, to the east by Perry County, to the south by Stone County, and to the west by Jackson County. The county covers an area of 613 square miles and has a population of 22,939 people according to a 2020 census estimate.
The land that makes up George County was originally part of Greene and Jackson counties before being separated in 1910. It was named after Confederate General James Z. George who served as both a state senator and U.S. Representative from Mississippi during his lifetime. According to dictionaryforall.com, the county seat is Lucedale which was established in 1901 and is home to just over 3,000 people as of 2020.
George County has many attractions for visitors to explore such as its numerous parks including Paul B Johnson State Park which offers camping, fishing, boating, swimming, hiking trails, picnic areas and more or Desoto National Forest which features more than 600 acres of lush forestland perfect for outdoor activities like hunting or birdwatching. Visitors can also explore some of George County’s historic sites such as Fort Massachusetts which was built by Spanish soldiers in 1719 or view some unique art at the Leakesville Art Gallery located in downtown Leakesville.
The area also has many festivals throughout the year like World Catfish Festival held annually in April or August’s Annual Watermelon Festival held each year since 1976 where visitors can enjoy music performances from local bands along with plenty of watermelon-themed activities like watermelon eating contests and seed spitting competitions.
Notable people from George County include baseball player Boog Powell who won four World Series titles with Baltimore Orioles between 1966-1971; country music singer-songwriter Clay Walker; NFL player Tony Beckham; actor John Cothran Jr.; former Governor Haley Barbour; former Senator Trent Lott; former NFL coach Jim Haslett; author Eudora Welty; gospel singer Kirk Franklin; singer/songwriter Sam Moore; blues musician Robert Johnson and many others have all called George County home at one point or another throughout their lives.
Climate and weather in George County, Mississippi
According to mcat-test-centers.com, the climate in George County, Mississippi is generally warm and humid. The area experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures often reaching the upper 80s and 90s Fahrenheit. During the winter, temperatures can drop to the low 40s and 50s Fahrenheit. The average annual temperature in George County is around 65°F (18°C).
The county is located near the Gulf of Mexico which has a major influence on its weather patterns. In late summer and early fall, the area is prone to hurricanes and tropical storms which bring heavy rain and strong winds. Despite this, George County still experiences relatively mild winters with little snowfall.
Rainfall in George County is abundant throughout the year with an average of 60 inches per year. Most of this precipitation falls during the summer months when thunderstorms are common. In addition to rainfall, there can also be periods of drought during certain years when rainfall levels are much lower than normal.
Springtime in George County brings warm temperatures as well as blooming flowers and lush vegetation. It is also a time for severe thunderstorms which can bring high winds, hail, lightning, and tornadoes at times. Summer months tend to be hot and humid with temperatures reaching into the upper 80s and 90s Fahrenheit during peak afternoon hours but cooling down at night due to ocean breezes from nearby Gulf waters. Fall brings cooler temperatures as well as beautiful foliage in shades of yellow, orange, red, and brown before winter brings cold temperatures along with occasional snowfall or ice storms if conditions are right.
Transportation in George County, Mississippi
George County, Mississippi offers a wide variety of transportation options for its residents. The county is served by two major highways, US Highway 98 and State Highway 63, which provide connections to nearby cities and towns as well as the larger cities of Hattiesburg and Jackson. In addition, George County is also served by an extensive network of county roads which allow for easy access to local destinations such as schools, businesses, parks, and more.
Public transportation in George County is provided by the George County Transit System (GCTS). This system operates numerous buses throughout the county on weekday mornings and afternoons as well as on Saturdays. The GCTS also provides a dial-a-ride service which allows passengers to schedule door-to-door transportation at their convenience.
The closest airport to George County is Hattiesburg/Laurel Regional Airport located just over 30 miles away in neighboring Forrest County. This airport offers flights to major cities across the United States as well as international destinations such as Mexico City via American Airlines and Delta Airlines.
For those looking for a more scenic way to travel around George County, there are several options available including biking trails and walking paths throughout the area. These trails offer stunning views of the local landscape while providing exercise opportunities at the same time. There are also several waterways in George County that provide excellent fishing spots or leisurely boat rides through beautiful backwaters.
Cities and towns in George County, Mississippi
George County, Mississippi is home to a wide variety of cities and towns. The largest city in the county is Lucedale, which is the county seat and has a population of over 4,000 people. Lucedale is home to several businesses, churches, schools, and other amenities which make it an ideal place to live. Other cities in George County include Benndale, Leakesville, State Line, and Vancleave. See top 3 cities in Mississippi.
Benndale is a small town located in the western part of the county with a population of just over 500 people. This town offers several recreational opportunities including golf courses, tennis courts, fishing spots, and more. It also has several businesses including restaurants and convenience stores as well as churches and schools.
Leakesville is another small town located in George County with a population of around 1,500 people. The town has several businesses including restaurants and shops as well as churches and schools for local residents to enjoy. It also offers numerous recreational activities such as fishing spots along the riverfront or hiking trails through nearby woods.
State Line is an unincorporated community located on the border between Mississippi and Alabama with a population of just over 200 people. This community offers access to both states which makes it an ideal spot for those looking for some unique experiences or attractions that are only available in one state or another.
Finally, Vancleave is located near the Gulf Coast with a population of over 2,000 people. This city offers numerous amenities such as restaurants and shops as well as churches and schools for local residents to enjoy. It also provides access to several beaches along the coast which makes it an ideal spot for those looking for some relaxation by the ocean or some outdoor activities such as swimming or surfing at nearby beaches.