Top 15 Most Interesting Facts About Mississippi

1. State Motto: "Virtute et armis" (By valor and arms).
2. State Bird: Northern Mockingbird.
3. State Flower: Magnolia Blossom.
4. Mississippi is the birthplace of blues music, with legends like B.B. King, Robert Johnson, and Muddy Waters hailing from the state.
5. The Mississippi River, which forms the state's western border, is the second-longest river in North America.
6. Elvis Presley, the King of Rock ‘n' Roll, was born in Tupelo, Mississippi.
7. The state is home to the **Natchez Trace Parkway**, a historic scenic road used by Native Americans and settlers.
8. Mississippi has more churches per capita than any other state in the U.S.
9. Biloxi is known for its seafood, casinos, and stunning Gulf Coast beaches.
10. The Vicksburg National Military Park commemorates a pivotal Civil War battle and siege.
11. William Faulkner, one of America's greatest authors, was born in New Albany, Mississippi.
12. The Magnolia State has one of the largest populations of catfish farms in the U.S.
13. Natchez is home to more antebellum homes than any other city in the United States.
14. The University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) is home to the first-ever public law school in the state.
15. The state's Gulf Coast is a major destination for boating, fishing, and seafood festivals.

Geography of Mississippi

Mississippi's geography is defined by its river systems, forests, and coastal areas. Key features include:

• Highest Point: Woodall Mountain (807 feet).
• Lowest Point: Gulf of Mexico (sea level).
• Major Rivers: Mississippi River, Yazoo River, and Pearl River.

A Brief History of Mississippi

Mississippi's history is deeply tied to its location along the Mississippi River and its role in the development of the United States:

• Originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Choctaw, Chickasaw, and Natchez.
• Explored by the Spanish in the 16th century and later settled by the French in the 18th century.
• Mississippi became the 20th state on December 10, 1817.
• The state played a significant role in the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement.
• Post-war Mississippi became a hub for blues music, influencing genres like rock and jazz.

Blues Music: Mississippi's Greatest Legacy

Mississippi is considered the birthplace of blues music, a genre that has shaped the world of music:

• **Clarksdale** is known as the crossroads of blues, where Robert Johnson was said to have made a deal with the devil.
• The **Delta Blues Museum** in Clarksdale honors the genre's rich history and legacy.
• Famous blues musicians from Mississippi include **B.B. King**, **Muddy Waters**, and **Howlin' Wolf**.
• Visitors can travel the **Mississippi Blues Trail**, a series of markers highlighting important sites in blues history.

Top 10 Things to Do in Mississippi

1. Visit the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale and explore the Mississippi Blues Trail.
2. Tour antebellum homes in Natchez and learn about the region's history.
3. Relax on the Gulf Coast beaches in Biloxi and Gulfport.
4. Explore the Vicksburg National Military Park to learn about Civil War history.
5. Walk the scenic Natchez Trace Parkway.
6. Visit Elvis Presley's birthplace in Tupelo.
7. Enjoy fresh seafood at one of Biloxi's famous seafood restaurants.
8. Take a riverboat cruise along the Mississippi River.
9. Attend the Juke Joint Festival in Clarksdale, celebrating blues music and culture.
10. Explore museums and historic sites in the state capital, Jackson.

Top 10 Destinations in Mississippi

1. Jackson
2. Clarksdale
3. Natchez
4. Biloxi
5. Vicksburg

Plan Your Visit

For more information about Mississippi, visit the state's official tourism site: Visit Mississippi