Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
MISSISSIPPI
One of the USA's most misunderstood (and yet most mythologized) states, Mississippi is
home to gorgeous country roads, shabby juke joints, crispy catfish, hallowed authors and
acres of cotton. Most people feel content to malign Mississippi, long scorned for its lam-
entable civil rights history and low-ranking on the list of nearly every national marker of
economy and education, without ever experiencing it. But unpack your bags for a mo-
ment and you'll feel its bottomless soul.
Getting There & Away
There are three routes most folks take when traveling through Mississippi. I-55 and
US-61 both run north-south from the state's northern to southern borders. US-61 goes
through the delta, and I-55 flows in and out of Jackson. The gorgeous Natchez Trace
Parkway, runs diagonally across the state from Tupelo to Natchez.
Information
Mississippi Division of Tourism Development
( 601-359-3297;
www.visitmississippi.org
)
Has a directory of visitor bureaus and thematic travel itineraries to choose from. Most are
well thought out and run quite deep.
Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries, & Parks
( 1-800-467-2757;
www.mississippistateparks.reserveamerica.com
)
Camping costs $12 to $28, depending on the
facilities, and some parks have cabins for rent.
MISSISSIPPI FACTS
Nickname
the Magnolia State
Population
3 million
Area
48,430 sq miles
Capital city
Jackson (population 175,437)
Sales tax
7%
Birthplace of
Author Eudora Welty (1909-2001), musicians Robert Johnson
(1911-38), Muddy Waters (1913-83), BB King (b 1925) and Elvis Presley
(1935-77), activist James Meredith (b 1933) and puppeteer Jim Henson
(1936-90)
