When people think of Mississippi, they often picture magnolias, music, and mouthwatering catfish. But below the surface—sometimes literally—are unexpected facts, cultural milestones, and natural wonders. From an extinct volcano beneath Jackson to the depth of history in Natchez, Mississippi is full of surprises waiting to be uncovered.
Jackson’s Hidden Giant
Did you know there’s a volcano underneath Jackson?
Jackson Volcano, extinct for over 70 million years, lies nearly 3,000 feet below the surface. It shaped the local terrain into what is now called the Jackson Dome, detectable even in gravity measurements. Today, it quietly sits beneath landmarks like the Mississippi Coliseum—an ancient reminder beneath the modern capital.
The Mighty Mississippi River: Nature’s Superhighway
The river that defines the region is more than just a waterway. It’s a life source, a historical path, and a natural wonder in its own right.
- Wildlife Galore: The Mississippi River supports a stunning array of creatures—alligators, crawfish, shrimp, turtles, herons, spoonbills, and more. Boasting 260 species of fish: that’s about 25% of all North America’s freshwater fish.
- First Bridge (1855): The first bridge to cross the river was constructed over 165 years ago.
- Global Drainage Power: The Mississippi River has the fourth-largest drainage basin in the world, covering over 1.2 million square miles.
- Ten States of Flow: The river runs through Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
- Great River Road: This scenic route spans 110 counties and parishes, offering a historic drive alongside one of the world’s busiest inland waterways.
- 90-Day Drop: A drop of water takes roughly three months to travel from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico.
- Deepest Point: Algiers Point in New Orleans dips nearly 200 feet deep, the river’s deepest spot.
Natchez, Mississippi: Where History Meets the River
One of Mississippi’s oldest cities, Natchez was founded in 1716—older than the state itself. Sitting high above the river on scenic bluffs, Natchez became a wealthy hub in the steamboat era and today offers visitors a window into the past.
- Historic Tragedy: On May 6, 1840, Natchez suffered the second deadliest tornado in U.S. history. With 317 lives lost, most aboard riverboats or on the docks, the event shaped the city’s story.
- Preserved Architecture: Natchez has 1,000+ buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, many of them stunning antebellum homes, with Linden being our personal favorite!
- Arts & Festivals: From the Natchez Festival of Music to blues nights and historic pageants, the city pulses with culture.
- River Gateway: Once a thriving steamboat port, Natchez continues to welcome river cruises and tourists along the Mississippi.
Mississippi’s Surprising Firsts & Records
- Blues & Rock Roots: Birthplace of the blues and Elvis Presley.
- Medical Innovation: Jackson was home to the world’s first human lung transplant in 1963.
- Women’s Education Pioneer: Site of the first public college for women in the U.S.
- Global Ballet Stage: Jackson is 1 of only 4 cities worldwide to host the International Ballet Competition.
- Catfish Capital: Over 50% of the U.S. catfish supply is raised in Mississippi.
- Coca-Cola History: The first bottled Coca-Cola happened in Vicksburg, Mississippi.
- Tornado Hotspot: Alongside Natchez, Tupelo also endured one of the country’s deadliest tornadoes in 1936 (216 fatalities).
Plan Your Visit: Experience the Unexpected
Mississippi is a state where surprises await at every turn—from geological oddities under the capital to timeless elegance in Natchez. Whether you’re exploring the Great River Road, cruising through river towns, or soaking up Southern history, Mississippi offers a depth of culture, history, and natural beauty unlike anywhere else.
Credit: Jennifer Bunch Bishop
