Because space shuttle engines are tested at Mississippi’s John C. Stennis Space Center, it has been said that “you cannot go to the moon without first stopping in Mississippi.” Well, as it turns out, there are a lot of other things to attribute to our great state. Paving the way for the rest of the world, Mississippi has been the first at a ton of things. So, check out the 13 fun facts about Mississippi that are listed below. They’ll make you love the Magnolia State that much more.

1. Uniting Parents and Teachers
Virginia Foxx/Flickr
In 1909, the first chapter of the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) was founded in Mississippi.
2. And, on the Subject of Education...
wikimedia commons/LikeTheBread
As far as educational firsts, Mississippi is responsible for several. It was not only the first state in the nation to establish a state-funded college for women, but it was also the first state to have a planned system of junior colleges. Additionally, Mississippi was the first state in the Mississippi Territory to launch a preparatory school.
3. A Little “Corn-y”
Elgin County Archives/Flickr
Originally known as the "Corn Club," the 4-H Club was started in Holmes County, Mississippi in the early 1900s.
4. It’s a Knock-Out
Public Domain Review/Flickr
The world’s first modern heavyweight championship fight took place in Mississippi City, Mississippi. The term "knock-out" was actually coined during the fight when, after eight rounds, John L. Sullivan defeated Paddy Ryan.
5. Equality for All
picryl/Buck
In 1839, Mississippi was the first state to establish laws that protected the property rights of married women.
6. Bottled Up
Natalie Maynor/Flickr
Mississippi was the first state to bottle two important products. Coca-Cola was first bottled in the city of Vicksburg while the first bottle of Dr. Tichener’s anti-septic was made in Liberty.

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7. Winning the Space Race
www.warrenproductions.com
Davis Planetarium of Jackson, Mississippi was the first organization to make a movie in space, even beating out the multi-million dollar corporation IMAX. Premiering in 1985, "The Space Shuttle: An American Adventure," eventually won a gold medal in an international film competition.
8. Extra, Extra…Read All About It!
Jon S/Flickr
A Mississippian by the name of W.A. Scott started the nation’s first African-American newspaper, "The Atlanta Daily World."
9. “Levee-ing” the Way
Team New Orleans, US Army/Flickr
In 1860, the nation’s first levee system, which spanned hundreds of miles, was built along the Mississippi side of the Mississippi River.
10. Eat Your Wheaties
https://pristineauction.com
Many great athletes have been featured on the famous Wheaties box, but the first football player to be featured was Columbia’s very own Walter Payton.
11. Two-of-a-Kind
Rachel/Flickr
It seems as if selling shoes in boxes by the pair would be a common concept, but it actually didn’t come about until 1884 when Phil Gilbert’s Shoe Parlor of Vicksburg, Mississippi started doing so.
12. An Apple a Day…
flickr/Axelle Geelen
The University of Mississippi Medical Center accomplished two world firsts. In 1963, the first human lung transplant was performed followed a year later by the first heart transplant.
13. Where Flowers Healed a Nation
Brad Weaver / Google
The concept of Memorial Day came about when, in 1866, a group of women decorated the graves of soldiers buried in Columbus’ Friendship Cemetery. This kind act struck the hearts of the nation and eventually came to be known as the annually observed national holiday.

Were you surprised by any of these fun facts about Mississippi? Can you think of any other fun facts to add to the list? If so, please feel free to share them with us in the comments below.

There are also some fun facts about Mississippi that are so quirky they sound made up.

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fun facts about Mississippi

Jennifer Young | June 10, 2023

Were any items invented in Mississippi?

Over the years, many items have been invented in Mississippi. In fact, some of these cool things made in Mississippi are so incredible that they just might surprise you. Listed below are three of the most popular Mississippi inventions that we're very grateful for.

1. Gamma-Electric Cell

The gamma-electric cell was invented in the 1970s by Dr. Henry Sampson, a Jackson, Mississippi native. In addition to the patent he received for this invention, he also awarded two other patents.

2. Nystatin

Elizabeth Lee Hazen, a Mississippi native, developed the popular anti-fungal antibiotic Nystatin. To accomplish this, she worked with Rachel F. Brown, another researcher. Thankfully, Nystatin has been known to cure a variety of fungal infections. Chances are, if you've never used this cream, you know someone who has.

3. Rayon

Over the years, Rayon has become a popular material to work with when it comes to sewing. Dr. Emmette F. Izard from Hazelhurst, Mississippi developed the first fibers of rayon, which were eventually considered the first true synthetics.

What are five things from MS that would be hard to live without?

There's no denying that there are plenty of things in Mississippi that would be hard to live without. After all, some of the best things to experience are in Mississippi, right? Listed below are five things from MS that we believe would be hard to live without. How many more things can you add to this list?

1. Delicious Food
2. Small Town Life
3. True Southern Hospitality
4. Beautiful Scenery
5. Great Music

 

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