CONTENTS The Magnolia State 4 Quick Facts 6 Geography 8 Climate and Weather 12 Plants and Animals 14 History 18 Did You Know 24 People 26 Cities 30 Transportation 34 Natural Resources 36 Industry 38 Sports 40 Entertainment 42 Timeline 44 Glossary 46 Index 48
MISSISSIPPI THE MAGNOLIA STATE Mississippi Mississippi is part of the Deep South region of the United States It is named for the mighty Mississippi River which meanders along most of the state’s western border Mississippi is a land filled with history southern cooking riverboats and misty farm fields In the countryside the pace of life slows down on sweltering summer days perfect weather for growing rows of corn soybeans and cotton In recent years Mississippi has worked hard to find new opportunities Today the state’s farms share the spotlight with growing cities Busy factories produce everything from automobiles to aircraft parts Some of the most celebrated authors in history came from Mississippi The state is also the home of the blues the toe-tapping music that expresses so many hopes and dreams Mississippi is called The Magnolia State because of the many beautiful and fragrant magnolia trees that grow in its soil The Queen of the Mississippi riverboat cruises down the Mississippi River 4 MISSISSIPPI
The University of Mississippi is nicknamed Ole Miss
