The first known settlers in the history of Mississippi were Native Americans who lived in the state during initial European exploration. The Chickasaw Indians occupied the north and eastern parts of the state, the central part was settled by the Choctaw Indians and the famous Natchez Indians lived in the southwest region. Both the Choctaw and the Natchez Indians have cities named after them commemorating the important contributions they have made to Mississippi history as well as to vibrant culture, heritage and tradition.

In Mississippi state history the first European explorer was Hernando De Soto from Spain. Most explorers at the time were in hot pursuit of gold and when it wasn’t found in abundance those explorers left looking for greener pastures. In 1682 Robert Cavelier took control of the entire Mississippi Valley in the name of France after an in-depth exploration of the state. In 1699 the first French settlement occurred in Biloxi which in current day is called Ocean Springs. The thriving coast created the perfect place to live with a wealth of opportunity along the coastline for Mississippi fishing and trading in the history of Mississippi.

During Mississippi state history circa the early 1700's the Natchez Indians had no choice but to defend their land from a takeover by the French however the French managed to eliminate most of the tribe the next year. The Treaty of Paris was signed after the Indian and French War and the land on the east side of the Mississippi was given to the English who later lost it to the United States in 1783 after the Revolutionary War in the history of Mississippi state.

The main crop in the 19th century was cotton and the industry boomed as the Mississippi River was used for transportation in the flourishing commerce. December 10, 1817 marks the important day in the history of Mississippi state that the region became the 20th state. Slave labor was used by farmers for the operation of the large cotton plantations that were growing steadily. By 1860 in the history of Mississippi black slaves outnumbered white settlers. With the election of Abraham Lincoln slavery became a part of Mississippi history a few years later.

The Battle of Vicksburg marked a very important date in Mississippi state history and the Vicksburg National Military Park outlines the facts for current day visitors with many commemorative monuments paying tribute the Union Forces who fought the Confederate Army for 47 straight days.Mississippi history during the 1900's saw major progress in education, agriculture and industry. The lumber industry boomed with the building of railroads through access to forests in the southern part of the state. Land became more suitable for farming with many advancements in draining the swamp areas in Mississippi state history.

The Great Depression saw thousands of farmers lose their land between 1929 and 1939. This was a major downfall in the history of Mississippi state. Cotton prices plummeted leaving many in poverty. New legislation alleviated some of the taxes farmers had to pay which helped the economy resurface from troubled times. World War II saw the development of industry on a grander scale and many farmers were replaced by machines. Industrial development soared and the opening of a massive oil refinery in 1963 pushed the economy toward success. About three years later in Mississippi history there were more laborers in manufacturing then there was in farming.

In the history of Mississippi state there were many problems with racial strife but in1954 segregated schooling systems were deemed unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court. There was long battle with Civil Rights in Mississippi state history which often led to violence. Circa 1964 successful integration began and became more and more accepted and successful. The last segregated public schools were eliminated by the Supreme Court.

Though the history of Mississippi state has seen much discord today the state enjoys lively and successful tourism. From Tunica to Natchez to the Gulf Coast thousands of tourists travel throughout the state every year. Along the coastal region Biloxi has seen much economic gain from the many Biloxi casinos. The Gulf Islands National Seashore is a favored destination for many travelers looking to explore the coast and the Ship Islands is brimming with visitors yearly. Mississippi continues to enjoy great accomplishments in many different industries and shows no signs of slowing down.