26 Mississippi Facts: Fun Facts About Mississippi To Read Now

Are you ready to embark on a journey through the lesser-known Mississippi facts? 

While the Magnolia State is famous for its rich history, southern charm, and musical heritage, there is a trove of fun, intriguing, and peculiar events that often escape the spotlight. 

In this article, I delve into the depths of interesting facts about Mississippi that will expand your knowledge and provide you with nuggets of information for delightful conversation starters.

Knowing these fun facts about Mississippi is not just an opportunity to impress your friends with trivia. It’s a chance to gain a deeper appreciation for the unique blend of history, culture, and natural wonders that define this remarkable state. 

So, buckle up for a riveting ride through the enigmatic world of hidden gems found in the Magnolia State.

26 Mississippi Facts: Fun Facts About Mississippi To Read Now

1. Mississippi Has An Unusual State Border

The Hospitality State boasts a border irregularity that’s as captivating as it is quirky. Along the western border with Louisiana, the state’s line isn’t a simple straight division. 

Instead, it follows the meandering path of the old course of Old Man River, adding a touch of whimsy to the state’s geography. 

It houses a captivating quirk, a piece of land called Davis Island. This unique patch of territory lies entirely disconnected from the state due to the ever-shifting path of the Mississippi River. 

Davis Island is embedded in the Louisiana shores divided by Davis Bend, which was renamed Palmyra Lake. 

Read next: Fun Facts About Louisiana

2. Mississippi Is The Poorest State in America

Historically, the state of Mississippi has been considered one of the poorest states in the United States since the beginning of the 21st century.

According to the 2022 census, it is ranked the most impoverished state in the United States, with 18.8% of its population living below the poverty line.

Among other interesting facts about Mississippi, this is the saddest, in that the state has consistently ranked near the bottom regarding economic indicators such as median household income, poverty rates, and education levels. 

3. It Is The Birthplace Of The Teddy Bear

The first Teddy bear, the beloved childhood toy, was inspired by President Theodore Roosevelt. 

The name Teddy was borrowed from Theodore’s loathed nickname. 

His refusal to shoot a bear during a hunting trip in Mississippi inspired Richard Stieff to create the very first mohair bear, initially called Bear 55BP. 

4. The Blues Began In Bayou State

The beginning of blues music can be traced back to the experiences of African Americans, particularly those who were enslaved in the Mississippi Delta Region. 

Delta blues is characterized by its raw, passionate vocals, slide guitar techniques, and often improvised lyrics. 

The music of the blues evolved as a way for African Americans to express their struggles, sorrows, and aspirations in the face of adversity. 

5. It’s The Humble Beginning Of The King Of Rock And Roll

Elvis Presley was born in a little town called Tupelo in the state of Mississippi and later became known as the King of Rock and Roll. 

He was born 35 minutes after his stillborn twin brother. Today, his childhood home is now a famous museum. 

This idol, known for his elastic hip moves, started out as a shy boy. 

At 13, he moved to Memphis with his parents, where he recorded his first song, My Happiness, with Sun Studios at 18 ½, fresh out of school in 1953. 

In 1954, his first hit song, That’s All Right, is considered by many as the birth of rock ‘n’ roll.

6. It’s The Catfish Capital

Another exciting part of Mississippi facts is that the city Belzoni in the southern state holds the title of being the largest catfish producer in the United States.

Catfish Capital isn’t just a title; it’s a testament to a thriving industry, a cultural tradition, and a culinary experience that beckons with its irresistible flavors.

Every April, Belzoni hosts the world’s largest catfish festival to commemorate the once thriving catfish farming that supplied 70% of the United States demand. 

During its peak, 400 million catfish were raised at any given time. 

Read next: Fun Facts About Arkansas

7. The World’s Longest Artificial Beach Is Found Here

This sunny addition to some fun facts about Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, previously known as the Mississippi Riviera, is the title it holds for the world’s longest artificial beach, stretching 26 miles from Biloxi to Henderson Point. 

The beach was made to protect the seawall from further damage from coastal storms. 

8. You Can See The Petrified Forest In Mississippi

Home to a unique petrified forest that dates back over 36 million years. 

Situated in a picturesque setting, the privately owned forest is a remarkable site offering a glimpse into the distant past, where trees once thrived before being preserved in stunning detail through the process of mineralization. 

The forest’s petrified logs, which have transformed into dazzling stone replicas over eons, provide a tangible connection to the prehistoric world. 

9. It’s The Birthplace Of Root Beer

The ingenuity that transformed a local creation into a beloved part of American culture was first commercially produced in Biloxi in 1898, adding to the numerous Mississippi facts. 

The state proudly holds the distinction of being the birthplace of root beer, a quintessential American beverage. 

In the charming town where it all began, visitors can trace the roots of this iconic drink back to its origins. 

10. The First Bottling Of Coca-Cola Was Done In Mississippi

Here are some Mississippi fun facts about the Coca-Cola Connection and Miss. The first bottling of Coca-Cola took place in Vicksburg in 1894. 

Joseph A. Biedenharn, a soda fountain owner in Vicksburg, began bottling Coca-Cola in Hutchinson-style glass bottles to make the beverage more portable and accessible. 

His initiative and innovation helped mark a significant step in the distribution and popularity of Coca-Cola, as bottling allowed the drink to reach a broader audience beyond the confines of soda fountains.

11. Mississippi Has A Tornado Alley, Known As Dixie Alley

While Mississippi isn’t typically considered part of Tornado Alley, it does experience its fair share of tornadoes. 

This southern state actually falls within what’s known as Dixie Alley, a region that stretches from eastern Texas to the Tennessee Valley.

It’s a part of Mississippi facts that while it might not have the most tornadoes overall, Dixie Alley is characterized by the potential for strong and damaging tornadoes due to specific meteorological conditions. 

Read next: Fun Facts About Tennessee

12. Mississippi Once Was The Largest Cotton Producer

From the fertile soil of the Mud Cat State, acres of farms and labor-intensive fields have produced cotton and have woven itself into the fabric of the state’s heritage. 

Mississippi was the largest cotton producer for the United States from 1817 to 1860, with more than 1 million acres planted yearly. 

Read next: Fun Facts About Alabama

13. Mississippi Is Where Kermit The Frog Found His Roots

The beloved character, Kermit the Frog, was created by puppeteer Jim Henson, born in Greenville.

With his distinctive voice and endearing personality, this charming amphibian emerged as the heart and soul of Sesame Street and later The Muppet Show. 

14. Stennis Space Station Is In Mississippi

There is an intriguing connection between the Stennis Space Center and oceanographers. 

Nestled on the banks of the scenic Pearl River in Mississippi, the Stennis Space Center is renowned for its pivotal role in space exploration. 

But did you know that it also collaborates with oceanographers in a remarkable way? 

Stennis provides a unique advantage for studying our planet’s oceans due to its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico. 

The space center has the largest concentration of oceanographers worldwide who use satellite imagery and data to monitor and analyze ocean currents, sea surface temperatures, and even marine life patterns. 

15. The First Woman’s College Was In Miss

Let’s talk about the fascinating Mississippi facts and the influence of The W in Mississippi. 

Mississippi University for Women is a unique institution that has left an indelible mark on the state’s educational landscape. 

Established in 1884, The W was the first public women’s college in the United States.

Beyond its groundbreaking history, the university continues to be a symbol of empowerment, breaking down barriers and championing gender equality in education. 

Its impact extends beyond just women; it has evolved into a co-educational institution. 

16. The First Human Lung Transplant Was Done In The Magnolia State

In a pioneering moment that would forever shape the trajectory of medical science, Dr. James D. Hardy, a brilliant surgeon at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, performed the very first lung transplant on June 11, 1963.

This remarkable event left an indelible mark on the state’s medical landscape and set the stage for the incredible advancements that would follow in the world of organ transplantation.

17. It Is Where The First Heart Transplant Was Done

Another fascinating addition to Mississippi facts is the captivating story of Mississippi’s role in medical history. 

Six months after the first lung transplant, Dr. James D. Hardy and his team at the Universities Medical Center achieved another historic milestone by successfully performing the world’s first transplantation of a chimpanzee heart into a human recipient on January 23, 1964. 

18. It’s Illegal To Curse In Miss

Here is a glance at the intriguing and quirky law against cursing. Believe it or not, Mississippi has a law on the books prohibiting profane language. 

Breaking this law can cost you up to 100 dollars or up to 30 days in county prison. 

19. It’s Illegal To Cohabitate In The Magnolia State

The Magnolia State has held onto an age-old law that bans unmarried couples from living together, known as the anti-cohabitation law. 

As of 2016, this statute harkens back to a different era, reflecting the conservative values of the state’s history. However, it has not been widely enforced in recent times. 

20. Fornication Is A No Go In The Bayou State

In a twist reflecting its conservative past, part of the Mississippi facts is the law against sleeping with someone you are not married to. 

This law can cost you up to 500 dollars in fines of a hefty six months in the county jail. 

21. The State Known For The Most Famous Alien Abduction

One famous tale from the Mississippi facts list is the Pascagoula Alien Abduction. 

In 1973, two shipyard workers had an otherworldly encounter along the banks of the Pascagoula River with sights of bizarre lights and eerie sounds, sending shockwaves through the nation.

The Pascagoula Alien Abduction has become a part of UFO lore, leaving a mark on the culture of Mississippi and reminding us that the cosmos might hold secrets beyond our wildest imagination.

22. McRaven Is The Most Haunted House In The South

This is one of the Mississippi fun facts of the enigmatic McRaven House, often hailed as the most haunted house in the state. 

From unexplained footsteps to ghostly apparitions, the house seems to hold secrets that transcend time. 

Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, the McRaven House invites you to enter a world where history and the supernatural intertwine. 

With its rich history of Civil War battles, family tragedies, and even alleged paranormal activity, the McRaven House has become a hotspot for ghostly encounters and eerie stories.

23. The Phantom Barber Comes From The Bayou State

Prepare for a chilling tale from Miss’s past, the legend of the Phantom Barber. Step back into the early 1940s, when the town of Pascagoula was gripped by fear and mystery. 

Residents were haunted by reports of a peculiar individual sneaking into homes at night, silently cutting locks of hair off young girls while they lay sleeping. 

This bizarre series of incidents turned the once-peaceful community into a hotbed of paranoia. 

The hunt for the elusive Phantom Barber became a local obsession. Eventually, a suspect was apprehended, providing some relief to the town. 

However, the truth behind the Phantom Barber still remains shrouded in uncertainty. 

24. The Pilot Of Apollo 13 Was From Mississippi

Fred Haise, a Mississippi-born astronaut, carved his name into the history of space exploration as a member of the Apollo program. 

Haise was slated to be the lunar module pilot for Apollo 13, a mission that faced a life-threatening crisis in 1970 when an oxygen tank exploded en route to the moon. 

A Statue of Haise stands in the parking lot of the historic Biloxi Lighthouse commemorating Haise.

25. View The Vicksburg Riverfront Murals On Old Man River

Vicksburg is home to an impressive collection of riverfront murals that depict the city’s history, from Native American inhabitants to Civil War events. 

These murals provide a fascinating visual journey through time. 

26. Oprah Winfrey Was Born In The Eagle State

A global icon that forms part of the Mississippi facts is Oprah Winfrey. The enchanting tale begins in the small town of Kosciusko, where Oprah Winfrey was born and spent her formative years. 

From these humble roots emerged a powerhouse that would reshape the landscape of media, philanthropy, and cultural influence. 

The Bayou State backdrop adds a touch of authenticity to her story, reminding us that the pursuit of dreams can flourish even in the most unexpected corners of the world.

Quick Fun Facts About Mississippi

The white-tailed deer is estimated at 1.75 million animals in Mississippi.

Woodall Mountain is the highest point in Mississippi, reaching an elevation of 806 feet above sea level.

Hernando de Soto, a Spanish explorer,  became the first European to visit the region of Mississippi in 1540.

French colonists established the first European permanent settlement at Fort Maurepas in 1699.

Celebrities born in Mississippi: Britney Spears, Elvis Presley, Brandy, Eric Roberts, Ray J, and LeAnn Rimes.

The sandhill crane is the rarest in North America and has a population of approximately 130 birds in Mississippi.

Jackson is the only capital city in the United States to sit atop a volcano. 

The world’s only cactus plantation used to be in Mississippi, but it closed down recently, unfortunately.

That’s it for today! I sincerely hope you had a good time reading these fun facts about Mississippi! Wanna help me out? Be sure to share this article on your social media. Oh, and if you know some fun Mississippi facts, please drop them in the comment section below. I’d love to hear from you!