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50 Facts About Mississippi State

The state is one of the earliest states formed in the United States of America.  The state which is located in the southern part of the country has some interesting facts associated with it that make it appealing to people when thinking of where to visit as well as settle. Furthermore, the state is known for having a wide variety of historical monuments and museums which makes it a top priority for history enthusiasts when choosing a place to visit.  Therefore, in this article, we are going to explore the fifty facts about Mississippi that will impart more knowledge to the reader on the state.

1 It is the 32nd largest state in the United States in terms of area

The state covers quite a remarkable piece of land which is approximately 48,430 square miles thus becoming the 32nd largest state in the country. The land is characterised by diverse landscapes that make the state very unique. With the lowlands that have fertile soil, the state boasts of a very good agricultural capacity. Furthermore, the pristine beaches on the southern border of the state create a picturesque landscape that makes it fascinating to enjoy as well as to explore.

2 It is often referred to as the Magnolia State

A picture of a magnolia. 

The state got its nickname because of the lush and fertile soil which is associated with it. The soil is good for agricultural purposes and the residents of Mississippi have made good use of it and it is a big player in the farming industry in the south. The soil supports the growth of different crops which include rice, corn, cotton, peanuts and soybeans which brings a lot of revenue to the state. Also, the name Magnolia State pays homage to the fragrant and graceful state flower. The magnolia is a common sight in Mississippi with its white flowers and glossy leaves cementing the fact that the state is a fertile one.

3 Mississippi became the 20th State to join the Union

The state of Mississippi joined the Union on December 10 1817 becoming the 20th state to join the United States. This addition was a tremendous success for the Union as it meant westward expansion in the 19th century. Furthermore, the state’s admission to the union was pivotal to its cause because of its cultural heritage in that the state was home to various native American tribes like the Chickasaw and Choctaw. Also, its position against the Mississippi River was essential in the trade and transportation sector for the union.

4 The origin of the state’s name

A picture of the Mississippi River. , , via Wikimedia Commons

The name of the state has a deep connection to its history and geographical area.  The name comes from the Mississippi River which is located on its western border. The word Mississippi is believed to have been derived from the Ojibwa word ‘misi-ziibi’ which means great river. The name fits well with the river considering its size. The Mississippi River was instrumental in the development of the state as it served as a natural form of trade and transport. The river also led to the development of towns along its banks as people settled to partake in agricultural and business activities.

5 The first human heart  transplant happened in Mississippi

There have been immense advancements made in the field of medicine and the human heart transplant is one of them. Interestingly, the first attempt at a human heart transplant was performed in Mississippi in 1964 by Dr. Hardy along with a team of doctors. Before this, the possibility of such a process being performed was unthinkable as the idea seemed far-fetched.  However, because of the strides made by Dr. Hardy, many people have had second chances that would not have been possible without the human heart transplant. There have been improvements made to the process but the first attempt was done in the Magnolia State.

Read more on this article on facts about the heart

6 Oprah Winfrey is from Mississippi

A picture of Oprah Winfrey. , , via Wikimedia Commons

The state boasts of popular and influential people who have been making waves in the different fields that they are in. One such influential figure is Oprah Winfrey who is a talk show host, interviewer and philanthropist. The popular figure came from a humble background in Mississippi and has grown to have a big empire to her name Aand thus making the state proud. Some of the other influential people who have called the state home include rapper Rick Ross, Elvis Presley, Jerry Rice, Ray J. and Britney Spears.

7 The state is prone to hurricanes

The state of Mississippi is prone to hurricanes in that there have been 19 hurricanes over the years. The National Hurricane Centre placed eight of the hurricanes in Category 3 through Category 5 which means that they were major hurricanes that caused a lot of damage in the state. The most devastating hurricane in the state was Hurricane Katrina which happened in 2005. The hurricane caused a lot of damage as there was catastrophic flooding which led to loss of life and destruction of property. Another hurricane which left a lot of damage in Mississippi is Hurricane Camille, a Category 5 hurricane which took place in 1969.

8 The state has had three flags

The flag of Mississippi. 

In the history of the state of Mississippi, there have been three flags. The first flag was adopted by the state just before the American Civil War during the state’s secession. The flag was referred to as The Magnolia Flag. Later in 1894, the second flag which featured the Confederate flag emblem was adopted. The flag had a blue cross and white stars on a red background.  The third flag was adopted recently in 2020 after lawmakers voted to do away with the Confederate battle emblem which had become a controversial topic from the flag. The flag now features a magnolia flower that is surrounded by a circle of stars with a blue background.

9 The seventh president was popular in the state

Andre Jackson was the seventh president of the United States of America and he was in power from 1829 until 1837. The president became popular in the state because he supported the rights of the state and called out what he considered to be federal government overreach. While in office, he implemented policies that would aid in the expansion of white settlement in the West with one of the states that the expansion happened in Mississippi thus making him popular among the white settlers in the region.

10 The first human lung transplant was done in Mississippi

Dr. Hardy was a pioneer in the field of medicine having attempted the first human heart transplant as well as the first human lung transplant which also took place in Mississippi. The doctor was the head of the Surgery Department at the University of Mississippi which meant that he had the resources to perform such complex procedures. The recipient of the lung only lived for 18 days after the transplant but these procedures paved the way for future improvements in that field.

11 The famous book Alice in Wonderland has links to the state

Alice in Wonderland by Charles Dodgson

The book Alice in Wonderland was inspired by the State of Mississippi.  The famous children’s book is based on a real girl known as Alice Liddel who lived with her father Dean in Oxford, Mississippi. The author of the novel Charles Dogson was a good friend to Alice’s father and thus spent a lot of time with the family in 1865 when he was writing the book, he decided to name her lead character Alice after the little girl Alice Liddel that he saw growing up.

12 The first place a black singer  appeared in a concert came from Mississippi

The state of Mississippi boasts of a lot of firsts in that the state was home to the first black singer who appeared in a concert. A classical singer, Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield popularly known as Black Swan became the first black singer to appear in a concert when she performed at a concert in Buffalo, New York. The singer who came from Natchez, Mississippi was nicknamed the Black Swan after that performance that captivated people in the concert.

13 A flight school that trained pilots in the Second World War was in the state

The Columbus Air Force Base flight training centre that was operational during the Second World War was located in Columbus, Mississippi.  The training centre was critical in the war as it trained aspiring youths who wanted to be Air Corps officers. During that time, it successfully trained more than 8,000 army air corps which ensured that there was adequate manpower during wartime.

14 The state’s history can be traced back 12,000 years

The state has a long history that is rich and has left a long-standing mark that can be traced back to 12,000 years ago. Archaeologists found evidence that shows the presence of indigenous communities in the area. The traces of people are believed to have travelled from Asia to North America and settled in Mississippi. These people adapted to the environment in the region and created unique cultures which has led to the distinctive cultural heritage that the state boasts of.

15. The state was home to the first women’s university

The state is instrumental in the history of women’s education in that the first women’s university was located in Columbus, Mississippi. The university which was founded in 1884 was one of a kind in that before 1884, women did not have an opportunity to pursue higher education.

Therefore, the establishment of the university was instrumental in changing the history of women’s education. The university had been created for men to study there but it was later changed to an exclusively women-only university which paved the way for women to learn and get into fields that had been dominated by men as they were the only ones who had acquired knowledge in those fields.

16 The state is referred to as the Birthplace of Blues

A picture of B.B King on stage., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The state’s cultural backdrop features blues music that originates from African-American traditions. The state is rich with traditions and cultural heritage which was instrumental in the development of this music genre. Some of the renowned blues artists that came from Mississippi include B.B. King, Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters. Blues music features call and response patterns as well as expressive vocals which reflect the African American experience.  This particular genre serves as a way of preserving the African-American heritage and the storytelling history associated with them

17 It has its own state song and dance

The state has a dance and a song that they identify with. The square dance and a song known as Go Mississippi have great significance in the state. The square dance features an interactive and exciting style which emphasises togetherness.  The song on the other hand talks about the history, success the state has had and the natural beauty that Mississippi is famed for. The song and the dance are a good way for the residents of the state to develop a sense of unity and be proud of their heritage and identity.

18 Mississippi was crucial in the Civil Rights movement

Mississippi was a crucial state in the 1960s Civil Rights Movement. In order to register African Americans as voters and protest institutionalised racial segregation, hundreds of activists, many of them young college students, travelled to the state during the 1964 Freedom Summer.

The violent opposition of white supremacists and authorities to this civil rights effort, which was led by organizations like the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), brought national attention to the state’s pervasive racism. Tragically, the murder of notable civil rights leader Medgar Evers in Jackson, Mississippi, in 1963 brought attention to the perils activists faced. As a result of Evers’ murder, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibited discrimination and segregation, was eventually passed.

Explore this article on the facts about the civil rights movement

19 The first Coca-Cola bottle was bottled in Mississippi

A picture of a Coca-Cola bottle. , , via Wikimedia Commons

Mississippi boasts of the Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum which is considered a historical treasure. The first Coca-Cola was bottled there in 1894 by Joseph Biedenharn, and that is where it is now. Visitors to this museum get a one-of-a-kind chance to travel back in time and discover more about the early years of Coca-Cola’s history.

 The building is home to an intriguing collection of Coca-Cola antiques and memorabilia, including old bottles, ads, and the original soda fountain. For fans of Coca-Cola and history buffs alike, the museum’s interactive exhibits offer an understanding of the development of this legendary beverage.

20 The rarest crane can be found in the state

The Mississippi Redhill crane which is the rarest crane species in North America can be seen in Jackson County Mississippi. The crane that stands at 44 inches tall is one of the tallest birds in North America. It features a red crown, long neck and grey feathers which gives it an intriguing appearance. The bird is located at the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge where the rangers have put in efforts to preserve this treasure as well as their environment.

21 The state is affected by tornadoes

The state is frequently hit by tornadoes with an average of 27 tornadoes happening in the state each year. The state of Mississippi is located in a region that is prone to tornadoes and it has even been nicknamed the Tornado Alley. This means that the residents and people who visit the state need to be prepared and have some knowledge about tornadoes so that they are not caught unawares when a tornado occurs.

22 Mississippi houses NASA’s largest testing site

The John C. Stennis Space Centre is located in Hancock County, Mississippi. The testing centre is the largest one in the country and it spans 13,000 acres of land. It allows for an optimised setting that is ideal for evaluating and improving technology that is used in space exploration. The testing centre also provides a space where rocket engines can be evaluated before they are used in space-related endeavours to ensure that there are no malfunctions.

Find out more on the famous NASA scientists

23 The state is known as the hospitality state

A picture of the state capitol in Mississippi. 

The state of Mississippi is famed for being a hospitality state and people planning to travel there are assured of a pleasant experience. The visitors who explore the state are usually met with helpful recommendations from locals and a welcoming environment when they visit shops and restaurants. This trait is deeply rooted in their culture and traditions. This phenomenal show of hospitality is what attracts tourists to the state as they know that they will have a good time.

24 Many Native American tribes lived in Mississippi

When the Europeans arrived in the Americas, the state was inhabited by several native tribes. In Mississippi, there were at least 7 unique native tribes that called the state home. After their arrival, the Europeans came into contact with the tribes which include the Taensa, Biloxi, Chickasaw, Natchez, Choctaw, Pascagoula and Yazoo. These tribes can be traced back to 800 AD which is quite interesting.

25 The French were the first European settlement

France began their exploration into the Americas quite late, approximately a hundred years after Hernando de Soto’s expedition which was not successful and almost made Spain lose interest in that region. In 1699, France explored the modern-day Mississippi and decided to create their first white settlement in the area.

26 The state of Mississippi had many masters before it became part of the United States

Even though France was the first European country to claim and control the state, it was not the last one in that it changed hands severally over the years. France colonised the area for seven years until the Seven Year War which started in 1756.

The war was between Britain and France where they fought over control of North America. France was defeated and the British became the new masters of Mississippi in 1763. Their reign was also cut short by the American Civil War which started in 1765 and by the end of the war they lost control of the region and it was now part of the United States of America.

27 Mississippi was inhabited by cotton farmers

A farm worker working in a cotton field.

In the late 1700s, the state of Mississippi was not inhabited by a lot of settlers until the invention of the cotton gin which saw the settler population rise from 1800 to around 9000 settlers. The emergence of the cotton gin equalled high profits which attracted settlers to the state and thus resulted in a rapid increase of settlers in the area who wanted to try farming. The Mississippi has open plains and fertile soil which are favourable to cotton farming and thus attracted people to the area.

28 The slave population was large in Mississippi

With the introduction of cotton farming and an increase in the number of cotton farmers, it automatically meant that there would be an increase in the slave population as they worked in the cotton plantation. The cotton farmers justified forcing African American people to work in the farms as a necessary evil that was meant to happen for the cotton industry to be profitable. Therefore, with the growth of the cotton industry, the demand for slaves also grew so that they could match the number of farms that were being created. The white settlers who owned the cotton farms believed that they were of an elite class and they were superior to slaves. This particular mindset resulted in the state’s secession which occurred in 1861.

29 Mississippi produced a lot of manpower during the American Civil War

During the American Civil War, the state was one of the notable Confederate players. The state that had a population of around 350,000 white residents provided 80,000 troops to fight in the war. This makes it an average of 23 percent of the population which is quite high as the rest include children, women and elderly people. However, there were many casualties recorded from the troops that went to the war.

30 The state was one of the wealthiest but it went on to become one of the poorest

Before the American Civil War, the state of Mississippi was ranked number 5 as the wealthiest state in the country. This can be attributed to the booming cotton industry that brought a lot of revenue to the state. However, it was clear that without the availability of slaves who were working on the farms, the industry would not survive. Therefore the abolition of slavery pushed the state into economic depression. The once vibrant economy has never recovered since then as it has also faced other natural calamities like hurricanes, flooding, and tornadoes which cause a lot of damage.

31 It is the origin of the Teddy bear

A picture of Teddy Bears. , Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The famous name Teddy Bear was conceived in the state. It was first known as teddy’s bear after the 26th president of the United States of America, Theodore Roosevelt. The name is said to have come into existence when the president went on a hunting expedition with the governor of Mississippi when someone captured a bear, tied it to a tree and offered it to the president to shoot it. The president refused and a shop in Brooklyn capitalised on the idea and created a stuffed bear and named it Teddy’s Bear.

32 More than 50% of the state is forested

When one hears that the state is highly agricultural, one expects that most of the land is covered by farms and human settlements. Surprisingly,  more than 50 per cent of Mississippi’s land is covered by forests. The land around the Mississippi Delta is prime land for agricultural activities while most of the other regions are filled with forests of cottonwood, willow, pine, oak and other hardwoods.

33 One must be religious to run for office

The constitution outlines that for one to hold a public office in Mississippi, one must believe in the existence of a superior being. This rule was in existence until 1961 when the United States Supreme Court declared it unconstitutional. This is quite interesting as the subject of a supreme being is a controversial topic with people having varying opinions on what defines a supreme being thus making it hard for that law to be understood and applied.

34 It is the most religious state in the United States of America

A picture of an opened bible. , , via Wikimedia Commons

Mississippi has been ranked as the most religious state in the country. According to a poll conducted by the United States of America Gallup Poll, when the factors that are indicators of highly religious people, the residents of Mississippi scored the highest making it the most religious state at 59 per cent. It was followed closely by Utah which had 57 percent. This also explains the law that one has to be religious for one to run for office.

35 The Tougaloo College was instrumental during the civil rights movement

The Tougaloo College which is located in Jackson, Mississippi played a critical role in the civil rights movement. This is because the college was the hub of activism during this tumultuous period. Tougaloo hosted some notable civil rights figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and  Medgar Evers. The college provided a safe place for the civil rights leader to organize and strategize on how they were going about their cause. Furthermore, the students were actively involved in protests and advocacy for degradation.

36 The world’s largest shrimp is found in Mississippi

The state boasts of a variety of things that go on in it in that the world’s largest shrimp farm, Aqua Green is located in Mississippi. The farm aims towards providing sustainable shrimp production by sitting on a vast acreage so that it can meet the global demand. The farm is also keen on minimising its ecological footprint which makes it popular among climate change enthusiasts as well as locals.

37 The state insect is the honeybee

Mississippi’s state insect is the honeybee which plays a critical role in the ecological environment and the economy of the state. The insect is instrumental in the field of agriculture because it facilitates pollination in crops like fruits, cotton and vegetables. Furthermore, the beekeeping business is a booming one in the state and it produces honey and beeswax products and at the same time conserving the biodiversity of the state.

38 The white-tailed deer

A picture of white tailed deers grazing. , , via Wikimedia Commons

The state of Mississippi is famed for having the highest population of white-tailed deer with the total population being approximately 1.75 million. This makes it the second-highest density when it comes to those animals with Texas being the only state that has surpassed it. This in turn attracts tourists to the state as they are guaranteed to see the deer. The influx of tourists also has benefits to the economy and the residents of Mississippi as they will boost their business and state revenue.

39 Root beer was invented in Mississippi

People who enjoy taking Barq’s root beer have Mississippi to thank for their favourite drink. The famous carbonated drink was first made by Edward Barq Sr. In a small house in Biloxi, Mississippi. The inventor started his company Biloxi Artisan Bottle Works where he made root beer. The company was later acquired by Coca-Cola and it continued to produce the carbonated drink and distributed it to reach more people in the country.

40 Marijuana is researched in Mississippi

The research on medical marijuana has been a groundbreaking initiative in Mississippi.  The passage of Initiative 65 which happened in 2020 allowed the growing, research and distribution of medical marijuana. The University of Mississippi is among the leading institutions that have been at the forefront of the research of cannabis since 1968. The research has been significantly helpful when it comes to providing patients with alternative treatments that aim to achieve therapeutic efficacy and safety.

41 It has the largest cactus plantation

The largest cactus plantation is located in Edwards, Mississippi. This is quite surprising as one would expect to find the largest cactus plantation in states like Texas but the cactus plantation in Mississippi is a unique sight in the southern state. The plants cover a large area and they do well in well-drained soil. The cactus are aesthetically pleasing and at the same time has various uses. It is used in culinary dishes and jams that contribute greatly to the local economy.

42 There are a lot of golf courses in Mississippi

A picture of a golf course

The state of Mississippi is famed for being the top choice for golf enthusiasts. The state’s Gulf Coast provides an array of golf courses that have stunning coastal scenery. The courses have great architectural designs that provide a challenge to the golf players. Its proximity to the coast ensures that the players enjoy picturesque scenery all year long. The facilities have now become a premier destination for golf players and enthusiasts.

43 Wildlife in Mississippi

The state boasts of a range of wildlife that are found in different areas within the state. The wildlife comprises both common and rare animals. Some of the iconic animals found in Mississippi include the American alligator which is the state’s reptile, the black bear, the bobcat and the grey fox. The state is also home to more than 300 species of birds. The Northern Mockingbird which is the state bird is one of the species found in Mississippi and others include the waterfowl, woodpeckers and the bald eagle.

44 Mississippi is home to the largest Bible-binding plant

The country’s largest Bible-binding plant is located in Greenwood, Mississippi. The plant focuses on the specialised artistry of binding and producing Bibles for both religious and academic purposes. The plant employs skilled and experienced craftsmen who ensure that the Bibles last a long time and are aesthetically pleasing. The availability of a Bible-binding plant in the state shows the state’s strong commitment and ties to Christianity.

45 The National Geographic magazine is printed in Mississippi

The state of Mississippi has a lot of good things going on for it in that the National Geographic magazine has its publication hub in Corinth, Mississippi. The state plays a critical role in distributing magazine content to the global audience. The presence of the publication unit for the magazine in the state is a good way for the state to connect with the broader world through the lens of geographical exploration.

46 The country’s first Memorial Day celebrations were held in Mississippi

The first Memorial Day celebrations that were held in the United States of America were held in Columbus, Mississippi. The event was held to commemorate the fallen soldiers from both the Union and Confederate sides. This show of unity set a precedence for the Memorial Day celebrations and also served as a reminder of the tumultuous period that was witnessed in the United States of America.

47 The man behind Muppets is from Mississippi

A logo of the Muppets show. 

Jim Henson, the brilliant mind behind the adored Muppets, was born in Greenville, Mississippi, on September 24, 1936. His inventive methods and artistic puppets completely changed the entertainment industry. The Sesame Street gang, Miss Piggy, and other well-known Henson characters have captivated viewers for decades. He won multiple prizes for his innovative work in puppetry and television programming, leaving a long-lasting impression on the entertainment sector. People of all ages throughout the world continue to be inspired and delighted by Jim Henson’s unique energy and enthusiasm for puppetry

 48 It is home to the two largest public universities

The University of Mississippi, sometimes referred to as Ole Miss, is situated in Oxford, Mississippi. It is well known for its academic programs, especially in the fields of media, law, and medicine. Ole Miss has a thriving campus community, SEC sports teams, and a beautiful campus.

The agricultural, engineering, and business departments of Mississippi State University, located in Starkville, Mississippi, are given top priority. The state’s scientific and agricultural accomplishments are facilitated by the vibrant research community in this city, which is also the home of the Bulldogs.

49 Mississippi has a mini Washington Monument

The Mississippi Petrified Forest’s “Mini Washington Monument” is a distinctive feature in Mississippi. This stone obelisk, which stands 30 feet tall and provides both historical significance and exceptional cell service, is an unexpected surprise. It is a well-liked tourist destination and a reflection of Mississippi’s creative approach to maintaining both heritage and connection due to its rare combination of natural beauty and contemporary convenience. Visitors may enjoy this unique site while exploring the petrified remnants of old trees and having superb phone coverage.

50 Pine Sol was developed in  Mississippi

Harry Cole, Sr., a native of Jackson, created the well-known cleaning chemical Pine-Sol in 1929. Chemical engineer Cole created Pine-Sol as a pine-scented cleanser originally known as “Pine-Ola.” It became quite well known because of how well it cleaned and how nice it smelled. Pine-Ola was renamed Pine-Sol over time and developed into a household standard for cleaning surfaces and floors. Cole’s invention not only transformed cleaning practices but also left a long-lasting legacy, with Pine-Sol continuing to be a widely used cleaning agent today.

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