The History of Petal,Mississippi
Where It All Began...
The area of Petal came from very humble beingings. The first people to live in this area were mostly Choctaw Indians. During these times not many white people traveled through the area. The few that did were farmers and trappers transporting their produce to the already established Mobile,Alabama, trade center. The first white people to settle here were of the Scottish, Irish, and English descent. Contrary to popular belief the Indians and the white settlers were not sworn enemys. Instead of fighting, the Indians and the white settlers traded ideas and concepts to help each other.
The actual city of Petal first began with the settlement of the log mills in this area. During this time the majority of what Petal is now was very dense forest. Trappers farmers and loggers inhabited the community and therefore those were are first settlers.
It's All In The Name...
Around the year 1904, the community was planning the building of a post office. One afternoon while at a community picnic it was suggested that the new building be named after the daughter of the town's first postmaster, Mr. Irving Polk. The little girl's name was Gladis Petal Polk. The baby lived only a short while, being born August 29,1902 and dying February 2,1904, but while alive had captured the hearts of many to have died due to a bout with diptheria, which was a common disease among children at the time. Gladis Petal Polk is buried at the Hattiesburg City Cemetery on Hardy Street.
The City of Petal recieved nation wide recognition for the name in 1934 in "Ripley's Believe It or Not" newspaper column. The story seen below was publised all over the nation.
Our town's offical nick name is "The Friendly City". This name developed due to the fact that the people in Petal have always tried to lend a helping hand to those in need.
Where are we at now?
At the present time, our city is developing new business and events every year. Some of are new businesses are Super Walmart, Christie's Clothespin Consignment, and many other exciting new establishments. Petal also just recently annexed 6.7 square miles on Febuary 20, 2003. This brought the population to 9,816 people.
Page created by: Mandy Cochran and Kristen Adams.
Maintained by: Melissa Barding and Michelle Lewis
Business and
Computer Technology Course - Petal High School