Overview

The name Mississippi, like many other state names, comes from a Native American phrase. The Chippewa called the area misi-ziibi, which means Great River. Mississippi became a territory in 1798 and became the 20th State to be added to the Union in 1817. The state bird is the mockingbird, the state land animal is the white-tailed deer, the state flower is the magnolia, and the state fish is the largemouth bass.

Activities & Attractions

While many parts of Mississippi are still recovering from hurricane Katrina, there is still much to do in the state for anyone on vacation. Mississippi's rich history is quite evident in museums such as the African American Military Museum as the state's many civil war museums. The historical tours, nature tours and art centers offer a wealth of information and experience to take home with you.

You can also see artifacts of the Civil War and view nature as it was back in the days of Rhett and Scarlett. There are also plenty of amusement parks and modern attractions in the state. A few of the most popular ones are the Dentzel Carousel, Geyser Falls Water Theme Park, and the Jackson Zoo.

Lodging

With many historic plantations and mansions in Mississippi, it is little wonder that there are numerous unique and beautiful bed and breakfast inns to choose from. You can also find resorts in the state that offer top-notch entertainment and luxury accommodations at reasonable prices. As with any other state, hotels and motels can be found in every major city as well as many of the smaller ones. Camping is an exciting option, too.

Transportation

Public transportation in Mississippi is largely provided by buses, but subways and light rails are also quite popular. Means of transportation vary from city to city as does the coverage of the service, so it is advisable that you contact the local transportation authority for the particular city you wish to travel to if you plan to use the public transport system.