Farming roots and rail access still influence Hazlehurst
Hazlehurst, the seat of Copiah County, began with the railroad's arrival in the mid-1800s. Its historic train depot now houses the Mississippi Music Museum, which commemorates artists such as local blues legend Robert Johnson. The museum also hosts the annual Rockin' Railroad Festival. Aside from downtown, Hazlehurst is comprised mostly of wooded land. "We are a rural area with one railroad that runs through the town, like most southern towns. The community began as a farming and forestry area," says Lennard Bateman, a Hazlehurst local with Bateman Realty. "We have a large manufacturing and processing plant that brings wood in by railroad and sends products out." Jones Lumber Co. and Southern Specialty Milling, located in the far east, support the local economy.
Historic homes, ranch styles and farmlands line the streets
Historic homes constructed over a century ago stand alongside midcentury residences and early 2000s properties. Some of the oldest houses are near the historic district or off Extension Street. Many of these dwellings show front steps leading to wide porches with columns. Ranch-style houses are common in Hazlehurst, but Colonial Revival influences, cottages and a few New Traditional styles are also among the residential streets. There is a more rural feel on the eastern side of the community, with spacious lots near agricultural fields. The area has a median single-family sale price of around $150,000. "We've got homes that start from [about] $55,000 and most will go up to $250,000," Bateman says. He adds that properties with bigger acreage can sell for more.
Nature trails, fishing spots and a playground by Lake Hazle
Residents walk along the Choctaw Nature Trail, near Lake Hazle. Many visit the waterside spot for fishing and picnics. The lake has a lookout area, covered pavilions and a playground. A red box car is displayed at Byron Hidalgo Downtown Park, next to Hazlehurst Station. As a part of the Mississippi Blues Trail, the small space displays a historic marker about Robert Johnson. Copiah County State Wildlife Management Area is about a 20-mile drive away. Here, hunters find seasonal game, such as rabbits, deer, wild hogs and turkeys.
Residents shop at big-box stores and hometown businesses
The community has retail spaces such as Walmart Supercenter, Tractor Supply Co. and Dollar General. Hart's Shopworth Food Store is a locally run grocery store selling produce, meat and pantry foods. "Hazlehurst is small, but we have most of the fast-food options and some nice local places," Bateman says. Favorite eateries around the community include laid-back establishments like JB's BBQ and Starks Family Restaurant. Brando's Restaurant has a buffet with southern-style menu items like fried catfish, cornbread and baked macaroni and cheese.
Celebrating local music in April
Hazlehurst is known as the birthplace of blues legend Robert Johnson in Mississippi's Delta blues region. The city demonstrates its musical heritage with a festival every April. The Rockin' Railroad Festival features live performances from various music genres. The downtown streets are lined with vendors, and activities include a 5K and a fun run.
Attending the Hazlehurst City School District
Hazlehurst City School District provides three academic locations within the community. Hazlehurst Elementary, Hazlehurst Middle and Hazlehurst High have C grades from Niche. The school system offers career and technical education courses at the Walter Washington Vocational Complex. Teens can participate in business fundamentals, JROTC, health sciences and STEM programs.
The area has a risk of tornadoes and other severe weather
Hazlehurst has a history of tornadoes, though none have been as damaging as the one in 1969, which resulted in loss of life and widespread damage. Wildfires and flash floods are also a risk. The Copiah County Emergency Management Department leads the regional disaster mitigation and relief efforts.
Most travel by car with access to I-55 and Highway 51
Copiah County Medical Center provides emergency services and general care. The community is car-dependent, and most travel along Interstate 55 and Highway 51. Hazlehurst Station serves Amtrak trains to New Orleans. Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport is roughly 40 miles away.
Written By
Ashley Kennedy
