Mississippi

Mississippi is a state located in the Southeastern and Deep South regions of the United States.

It sits within the east Gulf Coastal Plain. This region mostly consists of lowland plains and low hills. The state's western boundary is defined by the Mississippi River. This river gives the state its name. The name comes from an Ojibwe word. The state borders Tennessee to the north and Alabama to the east. Louisiana is to the southwest and Arkansas is to the northwest. The Gulf of Mexico forms the southern border.

The geography of the state includes the Mississippi Delta in the northwest. This area is distinct from the surrounding plains. The highest point in the state is Woodall Mountain. It stands 807 feet above sea level. The lowest point is the Gulf of Mexico. Mississippi has a humid subtropical climate.

This means the weather is often warm and moist. The state's landscape is shaped by its river systems and coastal access. These features have influenced where people live and how they work.

Human history in the region began around 9500 BC. Paleo-Indians were the first people to arrive. They were hunter-gatherers who followed large animals called megafauna. These large animals became extinct after the Pleistocene age ended. Later, Native American societies became more complex. The Woodland and Mississippian cultures developed rich agricultural societies. The Mississippian culture began around 950 AD. They were known as mound builders. They constructed large earthworks to express religious and political ideas.

These people had trading networks that reached from the Great Lakes to the Gulf Coast.

European exploration changed the region in the 16th century. Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto passed through the northeast in 1540. French colonists arrived later in the 17th century. Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville established Fort Maurepas in 1699. The French called the territory "New France." Eventually, Great Britain took control after the French and Indian War. Later, Spain ruled the lower third of Mississippi. The United States eventually acquired the land through treaties. Mississippi became the 20th state admitted to the Union on December 10, 1817.

The era of cotton plantation agriculture had a major impact on the state. The Mississippi River provided a way to transport crops to markets. This era created wealth for some but relied on enslaved people. By 1860, enslaved people accounted for 55% of the state's population.

Mississippi declared secession from the Union in 1861. It was one of the seven original Confederate States. The state was restored to the Union on February 23, 1870. The Civil War and the Reconstruction era dramatically shaped the state's social landscape.

Mississippi played a pivotal role in the civil rights movement. From the Reconstruction era until the 1960s, the state was dominated by segregationist Democrats. These leaders worked to uphold white supremacy. The state has also had a high proportion of African-American residents.

Today, the state continues to face challenges. It often ranks low in national metrics for wealth, healthcare, and education. It also deals with issues regarding economic development. These social and economic factors are central to modern Mississippi.

The state economy relies on several different sectors. Agriculture is a major part of life here. Mississippi produces more than half of the nation's farm-raised catfish. It is also a top producer of sweet potatoes, cotton, and pulpwood.

Manufacturing is another important industry. This includes advanced manufacturing and utilities. Tourism is also growing, especially through casinos and historical sites. Transportation and health services also support the state's economy.

Culture is a very important part of Mississippi's identity. The state is the birthplace of the blues. This musical style helped develop much of the music in the United States.

Religion also plays a large role in the lives of residents. Mississippi ranks among the highest U.S. states in religiosity. The state's capital and largest city is Jackson. The Greater Jackson area is the most populous metropolitan area. In 2020, it had a population of 591,978. Other major cities include Gulfport, Hattiesburg, and Biloxi.