Mississippi – The Magnolia State – Legends of America (original) (raw)

Cotton plantation on the Mississippi River by Currier & Ives, 1884.

Greetings from Mississippi Postcard. Available at Legends’ General Store.

Here, in Mississippi, you’ll find the true character of the Old South in the scents of the magnolia blossoms, stately antebellum mansions, large plantations, numerous historic sites, and dozens of small towns and farms.

Mississippi is named for the Mississippi River, which forms its western boundary and empties into the Gulf of Mexico. The name translates from the Chippewa words “mici zibi,” meaning “great river” or “gathering in of all the waters,” and the Algonquin word “Messipi.”

Mississippi was organized as a territory in 1798 and was admitted as the 20th state to join the Union on December 10, 1817. Jackson is the capital city and the largest metropolitan area.

From beaches to music to Civil War sites and more, there is something for everyone in the Magnolia State. Check out the Mississippi Delta, the birthplace of the Blues, or Oxford, Mississippi, home to a thriving music scene comparable to Austin, Texas, and Athens, Georgia.

See places under the management of the National Park Service, including Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield Site, the Gulf Islands National Seashore, the Natchez Trace Parkway, and the Vicksburg National Military Park. Travel the Great River Road for majestic views of the Mississippi River, historic towns, Civil Rights efforts, rich heritage, and folklore. And don’t forget to take a peek at the many antebellum homes and listen for the many ghost stories of Natchez.

Enjoy your visit to the Magnolia State.

Kathy R. Weiser-Alexander
Owner/Editor, Legends of America

Mississippi Flag

Mississippi’s original flag that featured the Confederate emblem was approved on February 7, 1894. However, a new flag was voted to take its place in November 2020. The flag features a white magnolia blossom on a dark blue backdrop, with red bands and gold stripes — fitting for the Southern state whose nickname is the Magnolia State. The flower is surrounded by 20 stars, signifying Mississippi’s status as the 20th state in the Union, and a gold five-point star to reflect Mississippi’s indigenous Native American tribes.

Articles:

Askew’s Landing – Southern Plantation to RV Park

Bruinsburg to Port Gibson in the Vicksburg Campaign

Civil War Battles of Mississippi

Confederate Graves on the Natchez Trace

General Grant and The Vicksburg Campaign

Grand Gulf – A Bustling Port Along the River

Gulf Islands National Seashore

Legends and Mysteries of the Natchez Trace

Mississippi Photo Galleries

Mound Builders of Mississippi

Natchez Trace – Traveled For Thousands of Years

The Natchez Tribe – A Sociably Advanced People

Rocky Springs – Bandits & Bibles on the Natchez Trace

Rodney, Mississippi – From Prominence to Ghost Town

Samuel “Wolfman” Mason Takes On the Natchez Trace

Siege, Battle, History & Attractions of Corinth

Pick & Shovel Warfare in the Civil War

The Vicious Harpes – First American Serial Killers

Windsor Ruins – A Silent Sentinel to the Magnificent South

Witch Dance of the Natchez Trace

Yazoo Land Scandal

Mississippi State Song

States may sing their songs of praise
With waving flags and hip-hoo-rays,
Let cymbals crash and let bells ring
Cause here’s one song I’m proud to sing.

Go, Mississippi, keep rolling along,
Go, Mississippi, you cannot go wrong,
Go, Mississippi, we’re singing your song,
M-I-S-S-I-S-S-I-P-P-I