Golden Triangle (Mississippi)

The Golden Triangle (GTR) is a region in the east central portion of the U.S. state of Mississippi. The "triangle" is formed by the cities of Columbus, Starkville, and West Point but the region is often more broadly-defined to include all of Clay, Lowndes, and Oktibbeha counties and sometimes additional surrounding communities and counties as well.^[1] The term was used as a marketing strategy in the 1960s^[2][3] to promote economic development in the region and encourage additional cooperation between local communities in attracting investment,^[4][5] although the term was in use by 1939.^[6]

The three counties are home to a population of over 128,000 and 500,000 workers are within 60 miles of the region. The area's economic development potential is anchored by the presence of Mississippi State University, Columbus Air Force Base, and associated spin-off industries in research, high-tech manufacturing, aerospace, transportation, and education. GTR has attracted $5.9 billion in capital investment since 2008.^[1]

The area is served by Golden Triangle Regional Airport, which is the third busiest in the state.