Hattiesburg was dubbed "The Hub City" because of its geographic relationship to six great Southern cities. On a map, it appears to be the center of a great wheel, with railroad lines fanning out like spokes to New Orleans, Natchez, Jackson, Meridian, Gulfport, and Mobile. This intersection has been a pivotal part of the founding, early history, and continuing role that Hattiesburg plays in the economic and cultural development of the Southeastern United States. Images of America: Hattiesburg covers the city's founding by William H. Hardy, the impact of the lumber industry and the railroads, the educational institutions that benefitted from the largess of local timber tycoons, the illicit fight that made John L. Sullivan the last bare-knuckle heavyweight boxing champion of the world, and scenes of city and rural life in the 1920s.
Colter and Brooke Cruthirds have lived in Hattiesburg for the past 10 years and are both graduates of the University of Southern Mississippi. Colter earned a PhD in English in 2011, and Brooke earned master's degrees in library and information science and anthropology in 2008.