Hidden History: Eastman-Gardiner Lumber Company Traditional Cache

Eastman-Gardiner Lumber Company, (the italian-looking offices you'll see) were owned by Lauren Eastman & George and Silas Gardiner, who came to Laurel and opened their first lumber mill in Laurel in 1893. The lumber industry flourished in Jones County & the surrounding area. By the 1920s, Laurel was known as the Yellow Pine Capital of the World. The timber era in Laurel declined with the Great Depression, and all the large sawmills ceased operations in the 1930s.

The train played a big role in making Laurel's Lumber Industry what it became! Don't get too close to the tracks...but instead hunt around near the ground where you can get a good view of the beautiful former Eastman Gardiner offices.