Mississippi ( The Magnolia State ) The name "Mississippi" comes from an Indian word meaning "great waters" or "father of waters". In 1817, Mississippi was admited as the 20th state to the Union. Mississippi is a state that is going through great changes. Part of the Deep South, it was once a land of farmers and quiet towns. It is becoming a state of factory workers and busy cities. But tradition plays an important part in Mississippi life. The state retains many reminders of the Old South. Stately mansions bring back memories of Mississippi plantation life before the Civil War. The large, sunny beaches and fine hotels of the Mississippi Gulf Coast are popular vacation destinations. Some of the famous celebrities that were born in Mississippi include: LeAnn Rimes, Walter Payton, Elvis Presley, Brett Favre, The Flag of Mississippi Entered the Union in 1817 as the 20th States; flag adopted in 1894. The State flag is a combination of two Confederate flags - the Stars and Bars and the Battle Flag, both including the national colors.   Largest Cities in the State (2000) Jackson, 184,256; Gulfport, 71,127; Biloxi, 50,644; Hattiesburg, 44,779; Greenville, 41,663; Meridian, 39,968; Tupelo, 34,211; Southaven, 28,977; Vicksburg, 26,407; Pascagoula, 26,200   Business and Trade in Mississippi Agriculture: Cotton, poultry, cattle, catfish, soybeans, dairy products, rice. Industries: Apparel, furniture, lumber and wood products, food processing, electrical machinery, transportation equipment. State Symbols and Emblems Bird: Mockingbird Flower: Magnolia (magnolia grandiflora) Tree: Magnolia ( magnolia grandiflora) Song(s): Go Mis-sis-sip-pi Motto: Virtute et Armis (By valor and arms) Mississippi Travel - Vacation Destinations & Recreation National parks and historic locations suitable for family vacations or day trips. • Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway - Bay Springs Lake - Dennis • St. Catherine Creek National Wildlife Refuge - Sibley • Morgan Brake National Wildlife Refuge - Cruger • Enid Lake - Enid • Dahomey National Wildlife Refuge - Boyle

Capital: Jackson     Local Weather  Statehood: 1817-12-10  Population: 2,844,658 (60.6 mi2)   Geographic Area (mi2)     Total 48,430.19     Water 1,523.24     Land 46,906.96     Rank 31st Largest   State Education:     Pub & Prv Schools     College & University     Libraries   Border States: Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Tennessee   Health Information:     Illicit Drug Use     Youth Risk Survey   Housing: In Mississippi, there are 1,161,953 housing units, averaging to 24.8 per sq mile.   Related Magazines:     Mississippi Game & Fish     Southwest Art   Posters and Artwork Wooding up' on the Mississippi Giclee Print 24" x 18" • A water moccasin snake opens its mouth on a road in Mississippi Photographic Print 24" x 32" • The Discovery of the Mississippi River and Louisiana by Pierre D'Iberville in 1699 Giclee Print 18" x 24" • Mississippi River and City Skyline, St. Paul, United States of America Photographic Print 16" x 12" • Group of People at a Roulette Table, Biloxi, Mississippi, USA Photographic Print 24" x 8" • Mississippi River, Minneapolis, Minnesota Art Print 17" x 11"