During WWII the USO was constructed. In 1942 the USO served as home away from home and was the only building in the United States constructed for public use by African Americans. It is now listed on the National Registry of History and is a Mississippip Landmark.
The USO now houses hundreds of atrifacts, photos, and displays that are dated as far back as the Buffalo Soliders to the present war of Iraqi Freedom as well as Desert Storm and modern day conflicts.War medals fill the main hall which honors people like Hattiesburg's own, Jesse L. Brown, America's first black aviator and other heros from Hattiesburg such as Mr. Ruth Baily Earl.
