Mississippi – ipl Stately Knowledge: Facts about the United States

Mississippi

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AbbreviationMS
Source: United States Postal Service – Abbreviations
CapitalJackson
Population2,967,297
Source: Resident Population Data – 2010 Census
GovernorPhil Bryant (Republican, to January 2016)
Entered the UnionDecember 10, 1817
as the 20th state
MottoVirtute et armis (By valor and arms)
NicknameThe Magnolia State
FlowerFlower or bloom of the magnolia or evergreen magnolia
BirdMockingbird
SongGo, Mississippi
Professional Sports TeamsNo NFL, MLB, NBA, WNBA, MLS, or NHL teams.
(sports listing policy)
Origin of NameNamed for the Mississippi river which forms the state’s western boundary. According to the State of Mississippi’s “About Mississippi” page, the name means “Father of Waters,” roughly translated from Native American folklore. The translation comes from the Chippewa (or Ojibwa) words “mici zibi” meaning “great river” or “gathering in of all the waters” and the Algonquin word “Messipi.”
Historical SitesPre-Civil War mansions, Vicksburg National Military Park, Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield, Tupelo National Battlefield, and part of Natchez Trace National Parkway
Points of InterestBienville, Delta, Desoto, Holly Springs, Homochitto, and Tombigbee Nation Forests; Gulf Coast
Bordering StatesMississippi borders Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Tennessee.
FlagMississippi's flag