Mississippi: The State, The River, and the Name

Clarification

Mississippi is a U.S. state (admitted 1817). The Mississippi River flows along its western border. The state is named after the river, not vice versa.

Etymology

From Ojibwe (Anishinaabe) misi-ziibi → French Messipi → English "Mississippi" = "Great River" or "Gathering of Waters."

River Facts

• Source: Lake Itasca, MN.
• Mouth: Gulf of Mexico, LA.
• Length: 2,340 mi (3,766 km) – 2nd longest in US.
• Drains 41% of continental US.

State Facts

• Capital: Jackson.
• Named 1798 (Mississippi Territory); statehood 1817.
• Not to be confused with the river—the river defines its western boundary.