Mississippi is truly one of the most beautiful and unique places in the United States. Sometimes, we may forget how much this state has to offer and how many amazing, famous people are from here. Here is a compiled list of facts about Mississippi. Some of them, you may have already heard of and some may be new. Read the list below of 20 fun facts about Mississippi. Look for a fun bonus fact at the end!
- Mississippi was founded on December 10, 1817– making it almost 207 years old!
- While Jackson is the current state capital, Mississippi has been through a few options for the capital, including Natchez (first option in 1817) and Washington (second option), and Columbia (third option) before settling on Jackson.
- Speaking of state capitals, Jackson was set as the official and remaining capital in 1822.
- The Mississippi and the Mississippi River got its name because a Native American tribe called it the “Father of Waters” (Misi Sipi or “Big River/Great River”). However, the word, Misi Sipi, is said to have French origins (spelled Messipi).
- The Mississippi River is the third largest river basin in the world. It is 1.2 million square miles and is only beat out by the Amazon and Congo River basins.
- It is rumored that Mississippi residents attend church more than any other state.
- With that in mind, Mississippi is said to have more churches per capita than any other state in the U.S.
- We aren’t called the “Bible Belt” for nothing— Mississippi is home to the largest Bible binding plant in the United States.
- Mississippi is the birthplace of some of the world’s most beloved celebrities such as Elvis Presley (King of Rock ‘n Roll), Oprah Winfrey (world famous talk show host), Faith Hill (country music’s sweetheart), and Brett Farve (football player).
- Are you a dancer? You’ll be elated to know that Mississippi has a state dance: the square dance.
- How many Coca-Cola fans are reading this? Did you know that Vicksburg is where Coca-Cola was originally bottled? This occurred in 1894.
- With sodas in mind, Barq’s Root Beer was established in Biloxi by Edward Adolf Barq Sr.
- The Mississippi University for Women was the first public university for women in America.
- The first successful lung transplant was performed in Jackson on June 11, 1963. This operation was led by Dr. James D. Hardy and his team.
- Additionally, the first successful heart transplant was performed on January 23, 1964, again by Dr. Hardy and his team. This operation took place at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.
- Mississippi was the first state to celebrate Memorial Day. This celebration took place in Columbus.
- Mississippi is the birthplace of the beloved stuffed animal, the teddy bear. This fan favorite was inspired by a hunting trip by Theodore “Teddy” Rosevelt.
- The little town of Belzoni is known as the catfish capitals of the world. Belzoni hosts the World Catfish Festival every April. Additionally, Mississippi produces more catfish than any state in America.
- Mississippi’s capital, Jackson, was named after Andrew Jackson to commemorate his victory at the Battle of New Orleans in 1812.
- Milk is Mississippi’s official beverage.
- Bonus: The maximum speed limit we can legally drive is 70 mph (This is not only a fun fact. It is a reminder).
Sometimes, the familiarity with our environment causes us to forget how many wonderful things we have access to here. Were there any fun facts about Mississippi that you learned today? What is a fun fact you know of that wasn’t listed here? Let’s chat on Our Mississippi Home’s Facebook page!
