Introduction

Mississippi, located in the southern United States, is a state with a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. From indigenous civilizations to European exploration, from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement, Mississippi has played a key role in the shaping of American history.

Early History

The state was home to several indigenous cultures for thousands of years before the arrival of Europeans in the 16th century. In 1540, Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto is thought to become the first European to explore Mississippi. The first European settlement in what is now Mississippi, Fort Maurepas, was established by the French in 1699, but it was the English who took control of the region in the late 1700s. During this time, Mississippi became a center of agriculture and trade, with cotton and other crops being grown on large plantations. In 1817, Mississippi was admitted to the Union as the 20th state.

The Civil War and Reconstruction

In 1861, Mississippi seceded from the Union and joined the Confederacy during the American Civil War. The state was the site of several important battles, including the Siege of Vicksburg, which was considered a major turning point in the war, and secured control of the Mississippi River for the Union. After the war, Mississippi faced the challenges of Reconstruction, but by the late 1800s, it had emerged as a major agricultural state, with cotton and other crops being its primary sources of wealth.

The 20th Century and Civil Rights

During the 20th century, Mississippi underwent significant change, as the state's economy shifted from agriculture to manufacturing and services. The state also became a major player in the Civil Rights Movement, with the struggles for voting rights and equality making headlines around the world. Mississippi was a battleground in the quest for Civil Rights throughout the 20th century, and was known as a center for various hate groups including the Ku Klux Klan. In 1955, African American teenager Emmitt Till was murdered in the state, sparking nationwide outrage toward the policies and cultural norms in Mississippi that allowed for such hate crimes.

Modern Mississippi

In the decades that followed, Mississippi continued to grow and evolve, with the rise of technology and the growth of cities like Jackson and Gulfport. In 1982, the state elected its first African American governor, William Winter.

Discussion Questions

1. Who lived in Mississippi before Europeans arrived?
2. Why was the Siege of Vicksburg an important event?
3. How did Mississippi change in the 1900s?
4. What happened in Mississippi during the Civil Rights Movement?

Glossary

• Confederacy: The group of southern states that broke away from the United States during the Civil War.
• Siege of Vicksburg: A major Civil War battle that helped the Union win control of the Mississippi River.
• Civil Rights Movement: A time when people worked to end unfair treatment of African Americans and other groups.
• Ku Klux Klan: A hate group that used fear and violence to keep African Americans from gaining equal rights.
• Settlement: A small community started by people in a new place.