Mississippi

Part of the famous Deep South, Mississippi is characterized by images of magnolia trees, sweet potato pies, and long summer nights spent on front porches. While this is a beautiful part of the Mississippi heritage, the state has much more to offer. Its history is rich with contributions that have made America what it is today. The only type of music said to be totally original to this country, the blues, was originally inspired by the despair found in the slave life in the Mississippi Delta. Greats like Muddy Waters and Robert Johnson perfected the art that would later influence all aspects of American music. Mississippi has also influenced such literary greats as William Faulkner and Tennessee Williams. But one of the greatest historical influences on the state of Mississippi has been the Civil War and Civil Rights Movement. Some of the most dramatic moments in our history occurred here. The Vicksburg National Military Park and Vicksburg National Cemetery are now located at the site of the famous Battle of Vicksburg where Confederate troops finally surrendered to General Grant. Close to twenty Civil War battles occurred in Mississippi. Memories of the massive cotton plantations and harsh Jim Crow laws that used to typify the state made its Civil Rights Movement particularly difficult. Today these struggles are remembered in museums and memorials across the state, particularly in the capital city of Jackson. On the Gulf Coast, the area surrounding Biloxi has become famous for is glittering casinos. Nearby in the town of Gulfport you can find some of the country's best shrimp and even take a ride on a shrimping boat. Historic Natchez is one of the oldest cities in Mississippi and marks the beginning of Natchez Trace Parkway, famous for its grand antebellum homes. Still today, over half of Mississippi is covered with beautiful forests and brimming with Southern hospitality, but it also has many unique attractions that represent our history as a nation.