Mississippi's Four Border States and Their Directions

Mississippi is bordered by four states, each defining a cardinal boundary:

• North: Tennessee (35th parallel / Tennessee River)
• East: Alabama (meridian 88°25'W / Tombigbee River)
• South: Louisiana (31st parallel / Gulf of Mexico coastline)
• West: Arkansas (Mississippi River)

Geographic Significance

• Mississippi River (west): Entire western border; defines the state's name and historic economy
• Gulf access (south): 44-mile coastline via Hancock, Harrison, Jackson counties
• Tennessee River (northeast corner): Only major tributary border
• No natural east border: Straight survey line with Alabama

The riverine west and coastal south shaped Mississippi's plantation economy; the straight-line east and north borders reflect territorial survey history.