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Mississippi became the 20^th state on Dec 10^th 1817. Mississippi is also known as the "Magnolia State" due to the abundance of the blossom.

Origin of state's name: The name Mississippi most likely came from the came from the Indian word for "Great River".

Capital City: The capital of Mississippi is Jackson which was founded in 1821 as a trading post on the banks of the Pearl River. The state is surrounded by several other states and the famous Gulf of Mexico. In fact the state is famous for having coastal communities marked by old world charm and carefree elegance.

Population: The population of Mississippi is in excess of 2.8 million people based on the census of 2000.

Driving

Driver's license information, applications, testing requirements, Driver's manuals and testing locations can all be found on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website.

http://www.dps.state.ms.us/dps/dps.nsf/main?OpenForm

Economy: The economy of Mississippi is driven by a wide range of farming and industries. Cotton growing, fishing, poultry rearing and egg production and of occurs the plentiful supply of lumbar allow for wood production are primary drivers of the economy. Heavy machinery production and food processing also contribute to the economy of this wonderful state.

State Flower: The state flower is the Magnolia which is also the state tree. The magnolia grows throughout the state and has a characteristic beautiful white fragrant flower.

State Bird: the state bird is the Mocking Bird or Turdus Polyglottus which is characterized by its beautiful singing voice and animated movement. The Mocking Bird is also the state bird of Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, Alabama and Tennessee.

State Song: The state song is "Go Mississippi" by H Davis which is an enthusiastic song of encouragement about this great state..

Mississippi – Interesting Facts

• The largest river in the US which the state is name after runs through Mississippi and is fondly known as "Old Man River"
• Elvis Presley was born in the state of Mississippi in 1935.
• Memorial Day is a result of the women of Columbus decorating the graves of both Confederate and Union soldiers with wreaths about a year after the Civil War has ended
• Mississippi is the birthplace of the Order of the Eastern Star.
• The city of Natchez has an extra ordinary number of buildings on the National Historic Register.
• Mississippi has what is considered to be the largest cotton plantation in the world and Greenwood is known as the cotton capital of the world.

Mississippi – Famous People

Many famous people were born and raised in Mississippi and Mississippi is currently home to many famous folk. Actors, authors, athletes, entertainers and politicians have all called Mississippi home. The famous Elvis Presley and the one and only Oprah Winfrey are from this great state. The famous footballer Walter Payton and the beautiful singer LeAnn Rims are also from this state and the one and only B. B. King also called Mississippi home.