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Nicknamed the Hospitality State, Mississippi is located in the southern United States along the Mississippi River. It was admitted to the Union in 1817 as the 20th state and was named after the Mississippi River which forms its western border. Mississippi is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Alabama to the east, the Gulf of Mexico to the south, Arkansas and Louisiana to the west. The state covers 48,430 square miles, making it the 32nd largest state. The capital and largest city is Jackson. Other major cities include Biloxi, Gulfport, Hattiesburg, Greenville, Meridian, Tupelo, Southaven, and Vicksburg.

History of Mississippi

Evidence of early human habitation in what is now Mississippi dates back approximately 12,000 years. The first major culture to inhabit the region were the Choctaw, Chickasaw, and Natchez tribes. The area was first explored by Europeans in 1540 by Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto. Permanent European settlement did not begin until 1699 when French colonists established Fort Maurepas. Mississippi was part of French Louisiana until 1763 when it became British territory following the Seven Years War. After the American Revolutionary War, Mississippi became part of the new United States of America.

Cotton agriculture and slavery spread across Mississippi in the early 19th century leading it to join the Confederacy during the American Civil War. Mississippi was the second southern state to secede from the Union in 1861. It was the site of many battles during the war including the Siege of Vicksburg in which Union forces captured the last Confederate stronghold on the Mississippi River in 1863. After the war, Mississippi faced economic destruction, abolition of slavery, and Reconstruction. Racial segregation and Jim Crow laws were established in the late 19th century disenfranchising the state's Black population.

Mississippi continued to rely on cotton and agriculture into the 20th century. It was one of the poorest states in the nation at that time. The state became a battleground in the civil rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s as African Americans fought against segregation and for voter registration. While Mississippi remains a comparatively poor state, its economy has diversified since World War II with manufacturing, government, and the service industry now major employers. Tourism has also grown especially along the Gulf Coast. Mississippi still faces many socioeconomic challenges but has worked to improve education, infrastructure, and racial reconciliation in recent decades.

Learn more about the history of Mississippi at the Mississippi Wikipedia page.

Mississippi Government and Economy

Mississippi's government is composed of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The Governor serves as the chief executive. The current Governor is Tate Reeves (R). The legislature is the Mississippi Legislature composed of the Senate and House of Representatives. Mississippi has two U.S. Senators and four members of the U.S. House of Representatives. The state constitution, laws, and codes are interpreted by the Supreme Court of Mississippi and lower courts.

Some key Mississippi state government offices include:

• Governor's Office - (601) 359-3150
• Lt. Governor's Office - (601) 359-3200
• Mississippi Legislature - (601) 359-3000
• Mississippi Department of Revenue - (601) 923-7000
• Mississippi Department of Transportation - (601) 359-7008

Contact information for Mississippi government offices can be found on the official state website.

Mississippi has a diverse economy with major industries including agriculture and forestry, manufacturing, government and military, tourism, technology services, automotive manufacturing, and energy. Many international companies have operations in the state including Nissan, Toyota, Sanderson Farms, Northrop Grumman, and Continental Tire. The gross domestic product (GDP) was $111 billion in 2019 ranking 31st among U.S. states. The median household income is approximately $45,000. Major agricultural products include poultry, soybeans, cotton, cattle, and corn.

Learn more about Mississippi's economy on the Mississippi Economic Council website.

Tourism in Mississippi

Tourism is a major industry in Mississippi focused around historical attractions, music heritage, cultural events, and outdoor recreation. Some top destinations include:

• B.B. King Museum - museum in Indianola honoring the legendary blues musician
• Natchez Trace Parkway - scenic 444 mile trail through Mississippi
• Mississippi Museum of Natural Science - museum in Jackson featuring nature and science exhibits
• Oxford - historic college town known for literature and music
• Vicksburg - Civil War battlefield and historic city along the Mississippi River

Find more tourism destinations and events on the official state tourism website or Facebook page.

Famous Mississippi Landmarks

Some of the most iconic landmarks in Mississippi include:

Vicksburg National Military Park

3201 Clay St, Vicksburg, MS 39183

This Civil War battlefield protects over 1,340 historic monuments and markers related to the 1863 Vicksburg Campaign. The park offers tours and exhibits about this pivotal battle.

Mississippi River

No single address, runs through the state of Mississippi

The mighty Mississippi River flows through Mississippi defining its western border. There are many river towns, harbors, and natural areas to explore along its shores.

Gulf Islands National Seashore

3500 Park Road, Ocean Springs, MS 39564

This park near Biloxi spans over Massachusetts islands and miles of pristine Mississippi coastline along the Gulf of Mexico.

Mississippi Public Services and Resources

Education

Education in Mississippi is administered by the Mississippi Department of Education. There are over 1,000 public schools organized into 144 school districts. Some of the largest school districts are Jackson Public Schools, DeSoto County School District, and Biloxi Public School District.

Mississippi has 33 public colleges and universities including the University of Mississippi, Mississippi State University, University of Southern Mississippi, Mississippi University for Women, Mississippi Valley State University, Jackson State University, Delta State University, Alcorn State University, and Millsaps College. There are also 15 community colleges.

Private colleges and universities in Mississippi include Belhaven University, Blue Mountain College, Mississippi College, Rust College, Tougaloo College, and William Carey University.

Transportation

Mississippi's transportation network includes interstate highways, U.S. Highways, state highways, railroads, airports, ports, and public transit systems. The Mississippi Department of Transportation manages highways and public transit. The largest airport is Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN). The Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT) serves the Gulf Coast. The state is also served by Memphis International Airport in Tennessee.

Amtrak provides passenger train service running through the cities of Picayune, Hattiesburg, Laurel, Meridian, Newton, and Marks. Greyhound bus lines connect most cities and towns. The Gulfport and Pascagoula transit systems offer public bus services on the coast.

Attractions and Events

Popular attractions and events in Mississippi include:

• Mississippi Blues Trail - markers honoring blues history across the state
• Mississippi State Fair - annual state fair in Jackson each October
• Mississippi Coast Coliseum - venue in Biloxi hosting concerts and events
• Natchez Pilgrimage Tours - historic home tours in Natchez each spring
• Mississippi Book Festival - popular annual book festival in Jackson
• Mississippi Braves - minor league baseball team

Local Community Resources

Mississippi counties provide many community services and resources for residents. Examples include:

Hinds County

Website: https://www.hindscountyms.com/

Address: 316 S President St, Jackson, MS 39201

Phone: (601) 968-6501

Hinds County contains the capital city of Jackson and has a population of about 245,000 residents. The county administrative offices are located in Raymond. County resources include parks and recreation, libraries, courts, tax offices, zoning, elections, public works, and social services.

Harrison County

Website: https://co.harrison.ms.us/

Address: 1801 23rd Ave, Gulfport, MS 39501

Phone: (228) 865-4003

Harrison County is located along the Gulf Coast and contains the cities of Biloxi and Gulfport. The county has about 209,000 residents. It provides services such as public safety, waste and recycling, utilities, public health, economic development, parks and recreation, and community outreach programs.

DeSoto County

Website: https://www.desotoms.com/

Address: 365 Losher St #110, Hernando, MS 38632

Phone: (662) 469-8961

DeSoto County is part of the Memphis metropolitan area with over 189,000 residents. Located in northwest Mississippi, it is one of the state's fastest growing counties. Services include public safety, planning and development, tax assessment, courts, elections, libraries, parks, and youth programs.

To find more information and services in your local Mississippi county, visit the state county government directory.

Top 10 Most Populous Cities in Mississippi

1. Jackson

• Jackson is known for its Civil Rights significance as it was the base of activists and organizers throughout the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s.
• Major industries and employers in Jackson include healthcare, government, education, and professional services.
• The University of Mississippi Medical Center is located in Jackson and is the state's only academic medical center.
• Cultural attractions include the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, Mississippi Museum of Art, Mississippi Children's Museum, and Jackson Zoo.

2. Gulfport

• Gulfport has a diversified economy focused on industries including shipping, healthcare, tourism, and gaming.
• The Port of Gulfport is a major shipping hub handling over 40 million tons of cargo annually.
• Tourism is centered around Gulfport’s scenic beaches along the Gulf Coast.
• Keesler Air Force Base is located adjacent to the city.

3. Southaven

• Major employers in Southaven include Baptist Memorial Hospital, Medtronic, Milano, and FedEx.
• Southaven is home to the Tanger Outlets shopping mall, one of the largest outlet malls in the U.S.
• The city has experienced rapid growth as suburban sprawl expands from nearby Memphis.
• Snowden Grove Park and Greenbrook Softball Complex host local recreational and sports events.

4. Hattiesburg

• Hattiesburg was founded in 1882 by civil engineer William H. Hardy.
• The University of Southern Mississippi is located in Hattiesburg and is the city's largest employer.
• Major industries include education, healthcare, retail, and timber.
• Historic downtown Hattiesburg features unique shops, restaurants, and arts venues.

5. Biloxi

• Biloxi was founded in 1699 and is one of the oldest settlements in the U.S.
• The city's economy is centered around the tourism industry and gaming.
• Biloxi is home to Keesler Air Force Base, established in 1941.
• Popular attractions include Beauvoir mansion, the Biloxi Lighthouse, casinos, and sandy beaches.

6. Meridian

• Meridian was founded in 1860 at the intersection of two major railroad lines.
• Key industries include healthcare, military, education, and manufacturing.
• The Meridian Naval Air Station operated as a major training center during World War II.
• The Meridian arts scene boasts the Meridian Museum of Art, the Riley Center, and the Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Center.

7. Tupelo

• Tupelo is the birthplace of Elvis Presley and houses the Elvis Presley Birthplace museum.
• Major employers include North Mississippi Medical Center, Cooper Tire, BancorpSouth, and Walmart distribution.
• Tupelo is home to a large furniture manufacturing industry.
• Popular attractions include the Tupelo Automobile Museum, Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo, and Natchez Trace Parkway.

8. Olive Branch

• Olive Branch has experienced rapid suburban growth as an extension of Memphis in recent decades.
• Major employers include Medtronic, FedEx, Carrier, and Southaven Power.
• Popular attractions include the Olive Branch City Park, Center Hill Golf Course, and Sally Kate Winters Park.
• The city boasts a cost of living lower than the national average.

9. Horn Lake

• Horn Lake is considered a suburb of Memphis and has experienced rapid growth in recent decades.
• Major employers include Grand Casino, GE Aviation, and the DeSoto County School District.
• Popular recreation spots include the Horn Lake Creek Greenway and nature areas along the Horn Lake Creek.
• The city has a median age of 32, significantly below the national median.

10. Pearl

• Settlement in Pearl began after the Civil War as the railroad expanded west of Jackson.
• Pearl is home to the Pearl Municipal Airport and extensive river port facilities.
• Major employers include Pearl Public School District, Trustmark Bank, and Nissan North America.
• Popular attractions include the Pearl River Valley Water Supply District Water Park and Ross Barnett Reservoir.