Mississippi – Eloray

Jackson, Mississippi (chmeredith, Wikimedia CCA 2.0)

Let’s Visit Mississippi

Join our virtual tour highlighting the top tourist attractions in Mississippi
For an overview of the state, see: National Geographic Kids. Mississippi

Highlights

Vicksburg National Military Park (Robert D. Hubble, Wikimedia CCA 4.0)

Let’s learn more about some fascinating places worth seeing in Mississippi.

Vicksburg National Military Park (Vicksburg) is famous for preserving the site of the pivotal Civil War battle and siege of Vicksburg, which was a major turning point in the war and offers a deep historical experience for visitors.
Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum (Tupelo) is renowned for being the birthplace of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis Presley, and features a museum, chapel, and his childhood home, drawing fans from around the world.
Natchez Trace Parkway (runs through Mississippi) is famous for its scenic drive, following the historic travel route used by Native Americans, European settlers, and traders, offering beautiful landscapes and hiking trails.
Beauvoir – Jefferson Davis Home and Presidential Library (Biloxi) is well known as the final home of Jefferson Davis, the President of the Confederate States, and it now serves as a museum and historical site dedicated to the Confederacy and Southern history.
Mississippi Civil Rights Museum (Jackson) is famous for its powerful exhibits documenting the history of the Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi, focusing on key events, figures, and the struggle for racial equality.
Rowan Oak (Oxford) is renowned for being the home of Nobel Prize-winning author William Faulkner. The historic house and grounds offer a glimpse into Faulkner’s life and his contributions to American literature.
Gulf Islands National Seashore (Mississippi Gulf Coast) is famous for its pristine beaches, wildlife, and outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and bird-watching, as well as its historical forts.
Mississippi Museum of Natural Science (Jackson) is well known for its extensive exhibits on Mississippi’s natural environment, including a large aquarium and displays on the state’s native wildlife and ecosystems.
B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center (Indianola) is famous for celebrating the life and legacy of blues legend B.B. King, as well as the rich history of the Delta blues, offering exhibits and live music.
Windsor Ruins (Port Gibson) is known for its hauntingly beautiful remains of a grand antebellum mansion, providing a glimpse into Mississippi’s pre-Civil War history and attracting photographers and history buffs alike.

Intriguing mysteries and weird facts

The Blues music of B B. King (Gorupdebesanez, Wikimedia CCA 3.0)

Discover these little-known facts about Mississippi.

Mississippi Is the Birthplace of Blues Music
Many legendary blues musicians, including B.B. King and Muddy Waters, were born in Mississippi, which is considered the birthplace of the Delta Blues, a genre that heavily influenced modern music.
Mississippi Has a State Drink: Milk
While milk might seem like an ordinary choice, it was officially designated as the state beverage of Mississippi in 1984, symbolizing the importance of agriculture, particularly dairy farming, in the state.
The First Human Lung Transplant Happened in Mississippi
In 1963, the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson became the site of the world’s first successful lung transplant, making medical history.
Home to the World’s Largest Shrimp
The small town of Pascagoula is known for producing some of the world’s largest shrimp, and the annual Mississippi Gulf Coast Shrimp Festival celebrates the region’s love for seafood.
Mississippi Has the Longest Man-Made Beach in the U.S.
The Gulf Coast of Mississippi boasts 26 miles of uninterrupted man-made beach, stretching from Biloxi to Gulfport, providing plenty of space for sunbathing, swimming, and fishing.
Elvis Presley Performed His First Public Show in Mississippi
Elvis Presley, born in Tupelo, Mississippi, gave his first-ever public performance at the Mississippi-Alabama Fair and Dairy Show when he was just 10 years old, winning second place in the competition.
You Can Legally Drink at 18 on Private Property
Mississippi has an unusual law that allows people as young as 18 to legally drink alcohol in the state, but only on private property and with parental consent.
Mississippi Once Had a State Flag with the Confederate Battle Emblem
For over a century, Mississippi’s state flag included the Confederate battle emblem, which made it the last U.S. state to incorporate this symbol until it was officially retired in 2020.
Teddy Bears Were Invented in Mississippi
The famous Teddy bear toy originated in Mississippi after President Theodore Roosevelt refused to shoot a bear cub during a hunting trip in 1902. The incident inspired a local toy maker to create the first “Teddy bear.”
Mississippi Is Home to the Only Cactus Plantation in the U.S.
One of the country’s weirdest agricultural operations is the Mississippi Cactus Plantation in Edwards, where more than 3,000 species of cacti are grown, making it the only one of its kind in the U.S.

Notable People

Here are 10 famous men and women from Mississippi.

Famous Men

William Faulkner (Carl Van Vechten, Wikimedia Commons)

Elvis Presley (1935–1977) was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, and became known as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. His influence on music and pop culture remains unmatched, with iconic songs like Jailhouse Rock and Hound Dog.
William Faulkner (1897–1962) was a Nobel Prize-winning author born in New Albany, Mississippi. He is famous for his complex novels about the American South, including The Sound and the Fury and As I Lay Dying.
B.B. King (1925–2015) was born in Itta Bena, Mississippi, and became one of the greatest blues musicians in history, known for hits like The Thrill Is Gone. He was dubbed the King of the Blues.
James Earl Jones (1931– ) was born in Arkabutla, Mississippi, and is one of the most distinguished actors in film and theater. He is famous for his deep voice and roles in The Lion King (as Mufasa) and Star Wars (as the voice of Darth Vader).
Jim Henson (1936–1990) was born in Greenville, Mississippi, and was the creator of the Muppets. His work on The Muppet Show, Sesame Street, and The Dark Crystal revolutionized puppetry in entertainment.

Famous Women

Oprah Winfrey (aphrodite in nyc, Wikimedia Commons)

Oprah Winfrey (1954– ) was born in Kosciusko, Mississippi, and is one of the most influential media moguls in the world. She gained fame as the host of The Oprah Winfrey Show and is a philanthropist, actress, and producer.
Eudora Welty (1909–2001) was born in Jackson, Mississippi, and was a Pulitzer Prize-winning author. She is best known for her Southern literature, particularly her short stories and novel The Optimist’s Daughter.
Leontyne Price (1927– ) was born in Laurel, Mississippi, and became one of the first African American opera singers to achieve international acclaim. She had a long career at the Metropolitan Opera and is celebrated for her powerful soprano voice.
Ida B. Wells (1862–1931) was born into slavery in Holly Springs, Mississippi. She became a prominent journalist, educator, and early civil rights leader, known for her activism against lynching.
Faith Hill (1967– ) was born in Ridgeland, Mississippi, and is a Grammy Award-winning country music singer. Known for hits like Breathe and This Kiss, she is one of the most successful female country artists of all time.

Date of Ratification of the Articles of Confederation/

Admission to the Union

December 10, 1817 (20th)

State Capital and Government

Mississippi State Capitol Building in Jackson (Chuck Kelly, Wikimedia CCA 2.0)

Jackson
Government of Mississippi

Area and Total Population

Area: 46,923 square miles

Total Population: 2,994,000

Major cities and their population

City	Population
Jackson	144,000
Gulfport	73,000
Southaven	57,000
Hattiesburg	49,000
Biloxi	48,000
Oxford	27,000

Education

University of Mississippi, Oxford (Adam Jones, Wikimedia CCA 3.0)

Educational Resources

Twinkl. Mississippi

Fairs and festivals

Mississippi State Fair

Flag

The state flag of Mississippi features a white magnolia blossom, a symbol of hospitality. The magnolia, the state flower, is surrounded by 20 stars, signifying Mississippi’s status as the 20th state in the union. There is a gold five-point star at the top reflecting Mississippi’s indigenous Native American tribes. The flag was adopted in 2021,

Geography

Location

Google map of Mississippi

Glimpses Into History

First at Vicksburg (US Army of Military History, Wikimedia Commons)

Breathtaking Landscapes

Check out these amazing landscapes and wildlife of Mississippi.

National Landmarks and Historic Sites of Mississippi

Visit Mississippi. Civil War Sites in Mississippi

National and State Parks

Wall Doxey State Park, MIssissippi (Fredlyfish4, Wikimedia CCA 4.0)

Sports

Ole Miss Rebels vs LSU Tigers football (JustDog, WIkimedia Commons)

NCAA (National Collegiate Athletics Association) Division I Teams

State Motto

Virtute et Armis,” meaning “By valor and arms.”

State Nicknames

The Magnolia State
The Hospitality State

State Symbols

State symbols. Mississippi

Seal

The great seal for the State of Mississippi shows an eagle positioned in the center, with its wings spread wide and its head held high. Stars and stripes adorn its chest. The eagle grasps an olive branch in its talons, symbolizing a desire for peace, and a quiver of arrows representing the power to wage war. The text “The Great Seal of the State of Mississippi” at the top and “In God We Trust” at the bottom appears in the outer circle of the seal. The seal was adopted in 2014.

License Plate