Mississippi State Geography

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State Geography:

So you want to know about Mississippi? Here are some highlights! Also check out the links to other sites about Mississippi.

Mississippi State Facts

Population (1994): 2,669,000 (31st in size)

State size: 47,689 square miles (32nd in size)

State Capital: Jackson (named after Andrew Jackson)

Major cities: Biloxi, Hattiesburg, Jackson, Meridian

Admission to union: The 20th State

Date entered the union: December 10, 1817

Origin of state name: Named after the Indian words "misi" meaning "big" and "sipi" meaning "river".

Nicknames: The Magnolia State

Bordering states: Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Tennessee with the Gulf of Mexico to the south

State bird: Mockingbird

State flower: Magnolia Blossom

State tree: Southern Magnolia

Motto: By Valor and By Arms

Geographic Landmarks	Top of Page

Points of Interest	Top of Page

Major Industries	Top of Page
Major industries include cotton and other agriculture. Natural resources include oil and gas. Manufacturing includes ship building, textiles, forestry and chemicals.

Historical Highlights	Top of Page
Home of many Indian tribes. Mississippi was first explored by the Spanish in 1540, but settled by the French in 1699. Later it came under British, then Spanish control. Cotton plantations and slavery played a major role in its history up to the civil war which freed the slaves. The Mississippi River played a major role with its river-boats helping to open up the country.

Population and Culture	Top of Page

Climate	Top of Page

Interesting Tidbits	Top of Page

Mississippi State Flag

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