Communities

Mississippi

Mississippi, the Hospitality State, is named after the Mississippi river which borders the western part of the state. The state is rich in natural resources because of the Mississippi River, Big Black River, Pascagoula River, Pearl River, Tennessee Tombigbee Waterway and Yazoo River and other major bodies of water, as well as its surrounding forestry. The state heavily forested and quite common in its forested areas are pine, cottonweed, pecan, elm and others. Moreover, the state produces many agricultural and farm products, as well as fisheries. Nevertheless, although the state is rich in natural resources and takes pride in its natural resources and agriculture and aquaculture, the state is also known for its celebration of the arts. It is known for its music and celebrates it regularly. Thus, the state is known for its blues and many festivals.  

State Nickname 

The State of Mississippi has many nicknames. It most commonly called the Magnolia State because of the abundant Magnolia trees in the state. The other nicknames of Mississippi are The Eagle State, The Border-Eagle State, The Bayou State, The Ground Hog State, The Mud-waddler State, The Hospitality State and The Mud- cat State. 

Climate Summary 

The State of Mississipi has humid subtropical climate. It has long summers, mild winters and during summer the temperature is the same statewide although during winter, the other parts of the state are warmer compared with the region in Sound. The state also experiences heavy snowfall from time to time, such as during the devastating snowstorm in 63.

State Tax situation 

The State of Mississippi imposes 3% tax for corporations and individuals on the first $5000 income. For income of more than $10,000, it is 5%. This is one of the lowest in the country. The state also imposes tax on tobacco products, public utilities, amusements, fuel, insurance, alcoholic beverages and others. The retail tax is 7%.

Government Summary 

The government of Mississippi is composed of the legislative, executive and judicial branches. The members of the executive branch are elected by the people or the citizens of the state and not by the governor. The state is one of the five states in the United States that has odd-number years for electing the officials of the state.

State Seal 

The state seal of Mississippi is called The Great Seal of the State of Mississippi. At the center is the eagle wit its wings spread and on its chest are the stars and stripes. The talons have olive branch and arrows. The outer circle has the words Great Seal of the State of Mississippi.

Motto and Description 

The motto of the State of Mississippi is "Virtute et armis" which translates to “By valor and arms”. The motto was adapted in 1894 and has been on the state’s coat of arms since then. It was proposed by the then Mississippi superintendent of education, James Rhea Preston, and was accepted by the state officials.

State Flag 

The State flag of the State of Mississippi was adapted on Aprl 23, 1894. It has three horizontal stripes of red, white and blue, with the confederate Battle flag. The pledge to the flag is, “I salute the flag of Mississippi and the sovereign state for which it stands with pride in her history and achievements and with confidence in her future under the guidance of Almighty God”.

State Bird 

Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) is the State Bird of the State of Mississippi. The state bird was selected by the Women’s Federated Clubs and the State Legislature in 1944. The bird was chosen by the Federated Club and the members of the state legislature for its cheerfulness which they deem reflect the state.

State Flower 

Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) is the official state flower of the State of Mississippi. It is also the official state tree of the state. The state flower was adapted in 1952 after election and voting by school children. The tree was officially adapted in 1938, also after election and nomination by school children. 

State Animal 

The White Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) is the official State Land Mammal of Mississippi.  It was officially adapted as the state’s official state mammal in 1974 by Senate Bill Number 2324. The Bill is the General Laws of Mississippi of 1974. The state waterfowl is the Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) and the State Fish is the Largemouth or Black Bass (Micropterus salmoides).

State Song and Description 

The State Song of Mississippi is entitled Go Mississippi. It was composed by William Houson Davis, both music and lyrics. The state song was adapted because of the efforts of the Jackson, Mississippi Board of Realtors. It was adapted in 1962 by Legislature by General Laws of Mississippi of 1962, 654 Chapter. 

State Colors 

The State of Mississippi’s state color is green although it is not official. The color green is suggested only by certain individuals. However the official website of the state of Mississippi did not have any official state color on its list of Mississippi Symbols, the list which included all the official state symbols adapted by the state.