Mississippi was the 20th state to join the United States of America. Mississippi officially became a state on December 10, 1817. The capital city is Jackson, which is also the largest city. The state is bordered by Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Tennessee.

Here are some official state symbols to help you get to know Mississippi better.

• Nicknames: Magnolia State, Bayou State, Eagle State and Border-Eagle State (for the eagle on its coat of arms), Mud-cat State (for catfish)
• Residents Called: Mississippians
• State Abbreviation: MS
• State Motto: 'Virtute et armis' ('By valor and arms')
• State Flower and Tree: Magnolia
• State Bird: Mockingbird
• Land Mammal: White-tailed Deer
• Water Mammal: Bottlenosed Dolphin
• State Fish: Largemouth Bass
• State Insect: Honeybee
• State Stone: Petrified Wood

Car Rental Mississippi
Did you know that Mississippi is the 32nd biggest state in the USA? The territory spans 48,434 square miles.