Mississippi

Before the Civil War (1861-1865), Mississippi was one of the richest states in the nation. Its many plantations, built and operated with slave labor, provided cotton for much of Europe. The war destroyed the state's economy and Mississippi has never recovered its former wealth. For over one hundred years, "Ol' Miss" has been one of the poorest states in America.

For many residents, the Civil War remains a vital issue, and the relationship between blacks and whites is still a difficult subject. Some of the crucial events in the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s occurred in Mississippi, including the murder of white Civil Rights activists in 1964. To this day, many African-Americans feel that the Mississippi is a hopelessly racist place and that blacks are treated like second class citizens.

Ironically, one of Mississippi's most famous products today is the music created by the descendants of its former slaves. In the early 20th century, the Delta region, a few hundred miles north of the Gulf of Mexico, introduced the world to a new form of music called 'the blues'. Fans of the blues will want to stop in at the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale, where they can learn about such blues greats as Howlin' Wolf, Bo Diddley, Muddy Waters and the legendary Robert Johnson.

The other great defining element of Mississippi is the mighty Mississippi River, the largest and most important river in the U.S. Along the river you'll find pretty river towns like Vicksburg and Natchez, which feature charming Victorian houses and an old world atmosphere. Vicksburg was the site of a key battle during the Civil War, and the Vicksburg National Military Park commemorates one of the most violent conflicts the world has ever seen.