Mississippi Welcome Centers are extras that came with the U.S. Interstate Highway System. The idea began as part of the Highway Beautification Act of 1965. Congress recognized the need for financial assistance to the states in providing motorist information services on interstates and other federal aid highways and granted 90% federal funding for welcome centers.

Efforts began in 1965 to start this program. Employees in the Roadside Development Section of the Mississippi Highway Department met with the Travel and Tourism Director of the Agricultural and Industrial Board to develop a plan suitable for legislation. In 1972 the Mississippi Highway Commission was authorized to locate, design, construct, operate, and maintain the hospitality stations.

The Lauderdale County Center is built by the original design depicting the antebellum south in a colonial style building complete with surrounding veranda, stately brick columns, and a fireplace with the Mississippi State Seal displayed overhead. Brass chandeliers and skylights were part of the lighting design. The Lauderdale Center was the first constructed but was the second to open, on February 13, 1975. The center sits on forty acres of woodlands that showcase trees, flowers, and shrubs native to the area.

Sandra Chambers, Supervisor
Lauderdale County Welcome Center
I-20 and I-59 West Bound
Toomsuba, Mississippi 39364
601.632.1142
Fax: 601.632.1155
lauderdale@mississippi.org