November 30

National Mississippi Day

Join us in celebrating National Mississippi Day and take a tour of the beautiful state - explore its natural beauty, culture, and history!

Yearly Date

November 30

Observed in

United States

Introduction

Get ready to celebrate the mighty Mississippi River on National Mississippi Day on November 30! This day was created in 2017 to commemorate the importance of this great river. The Mississippi River has held a vital role in the history and development of the United States, providing an important source of transportation and commerce for centuries. This day is a great opportunity to explore the banks of this incredible waterway, learn more about its rich history, or just take some time to appreciate its beauty. So mark your calendars and join us in celebrating National Mississippi Day!

National Mississippi Day Timeline

1541

De Soto Explores Mississippi

Hernando de Soto, Spanish explorer, becomes the first European documented to cross the Mississippi River.

1699

Biloxi Settlement Established

French colonists establish the first permanent European settlement in Mississippi, now known as Biloxi.

1817

Mississippi Statehood

Mississippi is admitted to the Union as the 20th state on December 10, 1817.

1863

Siege of Vicksburg

The Siege of Vicksburg occurs during the American Civil War, a pivotal event in Mississippi's history as it marked a turning point in the War.

1960s

Civil Rights Movement

Mississippi becomes a major battleground in the struggle for civil rights in America during the 1960s, experiencing significant events such as the Freedom Summer.

2017

National Mississippi Day Created

National Mississippi Day is inaugurated to commemorate the importance of the state and its river, celebrated on November 30 each year.

How to Celebrate National Mississippi Day

1 Visit the Mississippi River

Take a trip to the banks of the Mississippi River and take in the beauty of this mighty waterway. Enjoy fishing, boating, or simply a picnic with friends.

2 Explore Mississippi History

Learn about the history of Mississippi, its culture and its people. Visit a museum or browse online to get acquainted with the state's unique heritage.

3 Visit a Mississippi Landmark

Travel to one of Mississippi's famous landmarks, such as the Vicksburg National Military Park or the Delta Blues Museum. Celebrate the state's rich history with a visit to one of these iconic sites.

4 Read a Mississippi Author

Pick up a book by a Mississippi author, such as William Faulkner or Eudora Welty. Get lost in their stories and explore the world of literature from a Mississippi perspective.

5 Enjoy Mississippi Cuisine

Mississippi cuisine is renowned for its down home cooking and comfort foods. Try out some local favorites and celebrate National Mississippi Day with some delicious dishes.

Why National Mississippi Day is Important

The Mississippi River is an iconic part of American history

From its source in Minnesota, the mighty Mississippi runs along a 2,320 mile path towards the Gulf of Mexico. Along its passage it flows alongside many major cities and passes by legendary sites such as Vicksburg, Natchez Trace and Memphis. Its importance to the United States cannot be overstated, making National Mississippi Day an important day to recognize and appreciate its existence.

The Mississippi River provides a rich ecosystem for wildlife

The Mississippi River provides a vital habitat for fish and birds, including endangered and threatened species. Its wide range of depths, temperatures and currents enable different kinds of life forms to exist in the river. Observing National Mississipi Day helps bring awareness to the need to conserve and protect this precious environment while continuing to enjoy it.

National Missippippi Day encourages outdoor exploration

Along with celebrating the river's stunning beauty and abundant wildlife, National Mississippi Day promotes outdoor recreation along the banks of this iconic waterway. From hiking trails to camping spots, fishing areas to boating lanes - exploring the Mississippi gives us all an opportunity to get closer to nature in one way or another and reconnect with something which connects all Americans - our beloved national river.