Mississippi

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Choctaw Village by Francois Bernard

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Pushmataha high resolution

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D'Evereux

First at Vicksburg

Legislature of the State of Mississippi (1890)

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All these children

Mississippi is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Alabama to the east, the Gulf of Mexico and Louisiana to the south, and Arkansas and Louisiana to the west. The state's western boundary is largely defined by the Mississippi River. Mississippi is the 32nd largest and 34th-most populous of the 50 United States. Its capital and largest city is Jackson.

History

The area of Mississippi has been inhabited by various indigenous peoples for thousands of years. European exploration began with the Spanish in the 16th century, but it was the French who established the first permanent settlement in 1699. After the French and Indian War, the region became part of British West Florida. Following the American Revolution, Mississippi became part of the United States and was organized as a territory in 1798. It became the 20th state to join the Union on December 10, 1817.

During the American Civil War, Mississippi seceded from the Union to join the Confederate States of America. The state was heavily involved in the cotton economy, and slavery played a significant role in its early history. Post-war, Mississippi underwent Reconstruction and faced challenges related to civil rights, particularly for its African American population.

Geography

Mississippi is characterized by its flat landscape, especially in the Mississippi Delta region, which is a fertile plain between the Mississippi and Yazoo rivers. The state's geography includes forested hills, rivers, and coastal marshes. The Mississippi River forms the state's western boundary, and its name derives from the Ojibwe word Misi-ziibi, meaning "Great River".

Economy

The economy of Mississippi is diverse, with sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and services playing significant roles. Agriculture has historically been a dominant sector, with cotton, soybeans, and poultry being major products. In recent years, the state has seen growth in manufacturing and services, including food processing, automotive manufacturing, and tourism.

Demographics

As of the latest census, Mississippi has a population that reflects a diverse racial and ethnic composition. African Americans make up a significant portion of the population, alongside White Americans, Hispanic Americans, and other minority groups. The state has a rich cultural heritage, with significant contributions to the blues music, literature, and culinary traditions.

Education

Mississippi has a range of educational institutions, including public and private schools, community colleges, and universities. The University of Mississippi, known as "Ole Miss", and Mississippi State University are among the state's largest and most well-known higher education institutions.

Culture

Mississippi's culture is a blend of traditional Southern values and a rich African American heritage. The state has made significant contributions to American music, especially the blues, with artists such as B.B. King and Muddy Waters hailing from Mississippi. The state is also known for its literature, with authors like William Faulkner and Eudora Welty capturing the essence of Southern life.

Government and Politics

Mississippi operates under a state government divided into three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. The governor serves as the head of the executive branch, while the bicameral legislature consists of the Senate and House of Representatives. Politically, Mississippi has been known for its conservative leanings, with significant support for the Republican Party in recent decades.