Brookhaven

Situated in the middle of the Pine Belt, towering evergreens blanket Brookhaven in cool shade, perfect for a tall glass of iced tea.

The lush woodlands of the Homochitto National Forest in northwestern Lincoln County are exemplary of the natural beauty of the Pine Belt. Sportsmen from all over the South flock to the Homochitto for the quail, deer and wild turkey hiding among the magnificent pines.

Brookhaven's rich history began when founder Samuel Jayne built his home, a store and a grist mill on the banks of the Bogue Chitto River. Trade flourished thanks to the local Choctaw Indians, whose influences still remain throughout the area.

The river which begins just north of Brookhaven, flows into the Gulf of Mexico, making for some great fishing holes and water parks along the way. Lake Lincoln State Park has a 500-acre lake for swimming, skiing and fishing, as well as campgrounds and picnic areas. Brookhaven offers a wonderful climate with long summers, mild winters and beautiful fall and spring seasons, perfect for most outdoor sports. Choose from several area private and public golf courses, tennis courts, several lakes for boating and fishing, hunting camps, hiking trails, bike trails and exercise facilities.

Locomotives chug along the tracks running through the center of town, and the Old Brookhaven Depot still stands as a testament to the prosperity the railroad brought to the city, and is home to the Military Memorial Museum with photos, artifacts and personal items of area veterans dating back to WWI. And some noted cottage industries, apparel, gift and antique shops in the city make it fun to shop for unique treasure or an elegant piece from the past.

Hundreds of cyclists converge on Brookhaven in the Spring for the Annual Mississippi Grandprix - a four race event. The opening Criterium, set in the historic downtown, is a definite crowd pleaser. Autumn is a season for celebration in historic downtown as hundreds of artisans, craftsmen and vendors line the streets and entertainment fills the air when the Ole Brook Festival, "Mississippi's Premier Family Festival", comes to town. Those who relish stunning examples of Southern architecture, the charm of Turn-of-the-Century bungalows and beautiful old mansions on streets lined with 1-- year old live oaks will enjoy the annual Christmas Tour of Homes.

Brookhaven is home to Whitworth College, one of the oldest schools for women in the country. Its stately grounds, which once vexed students with the rigors of higher education, are now restored and challenge artistically talented and gifted high school students to reach their full potential as the only residential School of the Arts in the state.

The many cultural opportunities and special-interest classes at Copiah-Lincoln Community College in Wesson (just 9 miles north of Brookhaven) and the mobile training lab located in Brookhaven continue the tradition of excellent education in the area. And students over age 65 enjoy the added bonus of free academic tuition. The Retirement and Learning Enrichment Program also offers educational opportunities for those over 50.

Fast becoming the South's premiere center for the Arts, Brookhaven historically has been at the forefront of Southern culture and charm. But it is the mix of old and new that sets it apart. Home to the state's second longest-running community theatre, the Ole Brook Wind Symphony, The Brookhaven Trust for the Preservation of History, culture and the Arts, many civic and community clubs and organizations, Brookhaven strives to provide its residents a stimulating style of life.

Brookhaven provides a safe haven for adults and children alike and has been recognized as a "Homemaker's Paradise" since the early 1900's and was one of the first cities to receive the prestigious "Seal of Approval" designation by the American Association of Retirement Communities in September, 2005. It is ideally located on Interstate 55, it's an easy hour's drive south of Jackson, two hours north of New Orleans and in less than three hours, you can enjoy Mississippi's beautiful Gulf Coast.

Consider the many advantages of this quaint small town with an insatiable appetite for history, culture, education, advanced medical technology and services, recreation and a quality of lifestyle. This is an involved community of friendly, down to earth people who take great pride in where they live and work hard to make it better.

Read what people like yourself have to say about Brookhaven:

The Hadleys relocated to Brookhaven 3 days after Hurricane Katrina and discovered their new home would be without electricity for several days. In a community already burdened with refugees from the storm, friendly neighbors took notice and invited them into their home. This experience was confirmation that they had made the right choice.

When did you move here?

We moved in September, 2005 shortly after Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast and New Orleans.

From where did you move?

Loudon, New Hampshire where we had lived for the past 20 years where I was a professor at a local university.

How did you learn about Mississippi?

Bob was stationed on the Mississippi Gulf Coast for a short time in the early 60's while he was in the Air Force but he claims to be Mississippi bred because while his father was at Camp Shelby briefly in 1942 his mother came for a visit and shortly thereafter Bob was born. Fond memories of his time in the Air Force caused Bob to hope he might one day move back to Mississippi. But it was only after a conversation with a Brookhaven Amateur Radio enthusiast the had become acquainted with that the couple actually made the decision to visit the Brookhaven area.

What were your reasons for moving here?

When we arrived in Brookhaven after driving up from the Gulf Coast we were impressed with the friendliness of the people and we like its location, close to the Coast and New Orleans. Important in our decision was the low coast of living and the state tax exemption on retirement income. Also, we found that home prices are much more reasonable here than other parts of the country where we had lived. But most of all it was the friendliness of the people that convinced us to move here.

What community activities?

Linda enjoys being a member of the ILR (Institute for Learning in Retirement) and works part time as a nurse at a local nursing home. Bob is an amateur radio enthusiast and member of the Brookhaven Lions Club. He also spent a short time as a paramedic for King's Daughters Medical Center in Brookhaven.

What do you like about Mississippi and your city?

We have met so many people in such a short period of time and made so many new friends. Plus there is NO SNOW! We love living in a charming small town and even though our home is situated in the country we can be in town in just a few short minutes.

What has surprised you about Mississippi?

We discovered cultural diversity yet people here seem to live in better harmony than any other place we have lived. Even though it was the friendliness of the people that impressed us initially, it was their overall genuineness and sincerity that impressed us even more after living here.

Other Comments:

The climate and community allow us to stay active and involved. Financial benefits of living in Mississippi are important but we feel that the friendliness of the people is the State's greatest asset.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Brookhaven-Lincoln Co. Chamber of Commerce
230 South Whitworth Avenue
P.O. Box 978
Brookhaven, MS 39602
Phone: 601-833-1411
1-800-613-4667
Fax: 601-833-1412
email: info@brookhavenchamber.com
Website: www.brookhavenchamber.com