[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding=”10px||||false|false” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Mississippi Symbols” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.harrisontest.lib.ms.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Flag-771×482-1.jpeg” alt=”Mississippi state flag featuring a white magnolia flower encircled by stars on a blue field, flanked by red stripes and the text \u201cIn God We Trust.\u201d” title_text=”Mississippi State Flag” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Adopted on January 11, 2021. The flag consists of vertical stripes of red, gold, and blue, with a central white magnolia blossom encircled by 20 white stars, one gold star, and the words \u201cIn God We Trust\u201d. It replaces the previous flag that was retired on June 30, 2020<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Pledge to the Flag<\/strong><\/p>\n I salute the flag of Mississippi and the sovereign state for which it stands with pride in her history and achievements and with confidence in her future under the guidance of Almighty God. \u00a0Reference Miss. Code Ann., Section 37-13-7(1972)<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Coat of Arms<\/strong><\/p>\n The committee to design a Coat of Arms was appointed by legislative action on February 7, 1894, and the design proposed by that committee was accepted and became the official Coat of Arms. The committee recommended for the Coat of Arms a \u201cShield in color blue, with an eagle upon it with extended pinions, holding in the right talon a palm branch and a bundle of arrows in the left talon, with the word \u201cMississippi\u201d above the eagle; the lettering on the shield and the eagle to be in gold; below the shield two branches of the cotton stalk, saltierwise, as in submitted design, and a scroll below extending upward and one each side three-fourths of the length of the shield; upon the scroll, which is to be red, the motto be printed in gold letters upon white spaces, as in design accompanying, the motto to be \u2013VIRTUTE et ARMIS.\u201d<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.harrisontest.lib.ms.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/MS-Coat-of-Arms.jpg” alt=”Mississippi coat of arms featuring a bald eagle with outstretched wings holding a shield, olive branch, and arrows, with the state name and motto displayed on a ribbon.” title_text=”MS Coat of Arms” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n State Seal<\/strong><\/p>\n When Mississippi gained statehood in 1817, it decided to use the seal that it had been using since 1798, when Mississippi was still a territory. It bears a modified version of the arms of the United States. The eagle holds an olive branch and arrows, symbolizing the desire for peace but the ability to wage war. The outer circle of the seal holds the words \u201cThe Great Seal of the State of Mississippi\u201d.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.harrisontest.lib.ms.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/msstateseal.jpg” alt=”Mississippi State Seal. Features an Eagle holding a branch and arrows with the words %22The Great Seal of the State of Mississippi%22 and %22In God We Trust%22 in a circular banner. ” title_text=”msstateseal” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” width=”74%” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n State Bird<\/strong><\/p>\n The Women\u2019s Federated Clubs of Mississippi held a state bird campaign, selecting the mockingbird. A bill to designate the mockingbird as Mississippi\u2019s official state bird was submitted in 1944. It passed the House 121-0, the Senate 38-0. The mockingbird was signed into law on February 23. Mockingbirds are gray with white patches on their wings. They grow to be about 11 inches long. Mockingbirds copy, or mock, the sounds and songs of other birds.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.harrisontest.lib.ms.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ms_bird.jpg” alt=”An illustrated bird perched on a branch with a light background, showing detailed feathers and a compact profile.” title_text=”Bird on Branch Illustration” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n State Flower\/Tree<\/strong><\/p>\n Mississippi school children were allowed to vote\u00a0for their state flower on November 28, 1900. The magnolia, cape jasmine, and yellow jasmine were favorites. In all, children voted for forty-two flowers. Out of 23,278 votes, the magnolia received 12,745. It was not made official\u00a0by the legislature. In 1935, Mississippi\u2019s Director of Forestry started a state tree movement, again allowing school children to vote. The magnolia again won by a landslide. It was adopted on April 1, 1938. On February 26, 1952, the magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) was finally officially adopted as Mississippi\u2019s state flower. Native to Asia, the magnolia was named for the great French botanist Pierre Magnol, who died in 1715.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.harrisontest.lib.ms.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ms_magnolia.jpg” alt=”An illustrated white magnolia flower with layered petals and green leaves against a light background.” title_text=”Magnolia Flower Illustration” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n State Land Mammal<\/strong><\/p>\n The White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) was designated the State Land Mammal of Mississippi by Senate Bill No. 2324, General Laws of Mississippi of 1974. The male deer, or buck, grows antlers each year. These antlers are used as weapons during mating season and are then shed. The female deer is called a doe. Doe can give birth to twins or even triplets per season, if well fed.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.harrisontest.lib.ms.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ms_deer.jpg” alt=”A white-tailed deer with large antlers stands facing forward in a wooded setting with a blurred green background.” title_text=”White-Tailed Deer in Forest” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n State Land Mammal<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>2<\/strong><\/p>\n The Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) was designated as an official mammal of Mississippi in 1997. The red fox looks like a small dog with a pointed muzzle, pointed ears, and a long bushy tail. Red foxes are omnivorous, eating a variety of animals and plants. The fox uses a variety of habitats, including urban and suburban areas.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.harrisontest.lib.ms.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/red-fox.png” alt=”A red fox sitting on grass with a stone wall and trees in the background.” title_text=”Red Fox in Natural Habitat” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” width=”57%” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n State Water Mammal<\/strong><\/p>\n The Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) as the State Water Mammal was approved on April 12, 1974. Bottlenose dolphins are small, toothed whales that have a long, beak-like snout, a sickle-shaped dorsal fin, and sharp teeth. Dolphins breathe air through a single blowhole. They grow to be at most 12 feet (3.3 m) long. Dolphins live in small groups of up to 12 dolphins; these groups are called pods. Bottlenose dolphins have a life span of about 25 years.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.harrisontest.lib.ms.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ms_dolphin.jpg” alt=”A dolphin swims near the surface of the ocean with its body partially emerging from blue water.” title_text=”Dolphin Swimming” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n State Waterfowl<\/strong><\/p>\n The Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) was designated the State Waterfowl of Mississippi, Chapter 551, General Laws of Mississippi of 1974. Mississippi boasts more than a million acres of prime game habitat in 36 state wildlife management areas and National Wildlife Refuges open for public hunting, including marshy waterfowl havens. Adult birds are 17-20\u2033 long and tend to inhabit fresh water ponds, lakes, wooded bottomlands, streams, and other wetlands.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.harrisontest.lib.ms.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ms_woodduck.jpg” alt=”A wood duck floats on calm water, showing distinctive multicolored plumage and a reflective surface around the bird.” title_text=”Wood Duck on Water” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n State Fish<\/strong><\/p>\n The Largemouth or Black Bass (Micropterus salmoides) was designated the State Fish of Mississippi, Chapter 551, General Laws of Mississippi of 1974. They have a black to green back with lighter sides and a pale belly. They have a dark, wavy band running the length of their sides. Their mouth extends beyond their eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.harrisontest.lib.ms.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ms_bass.jpg” alt=”Mississippi coat of arms featuring a bald eagle with outstretched wings holding a shield, olive branch, and arrows, with the state name and motto displayed on a ribbon.” title_text=”Bass Illustration” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n State Insect<\/strong><\/p>\n The Honeybee (Apis mellifera) was designated the State Insect of Mississippi, Chapter 317, General Laws of Mississippi of 1980. The Mississippi Entomological Association and the Mississippi Beekeepers Association chose the honeybee over the boll weevil and fire ant. Honeybees are social insects. In the wild, they create elaborate nests called hives containing up to 20,000 individuals during the summer months.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.harrisontest.lib.ms.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ms_bee.jpg” alt=”An illustrated bee with yellow and black striping is shown in detail with wings extended.” title_text=”Bee Illustration” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n State Shell<\/strong><\/p>\n An act designating the Oyster Shell (Crassostrea virginica) as the State Shell was approved April 12, 1974, Chapter 551, General Laws of Mississippi of 1974. Oysters are soft-bodied animals that have two hard, protective shells (a bivalve). They spend their entire lives in one underwater location. The shape of the oyster\u2019s shells varies, depending mostly upon how crowded they are in the oyster bed.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.harrisontest.lib.ms.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ms_oyster.jpg” alt=”An illustrated oyster shell is shown open, revealing the textured interior of the shell.” title_text=”Oyster Illustration” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n State Fossil \u2013 Prehistoric Whale<\/strong><\/p>\n A Senate Concurrent Resolution, designating the prehistoric whale as the state fossil, was adopted on March 26, 1981. Zygorhiza kochii was an archaeocete, a forerunner of the modern toothed whales (e.g., sperm whales, killer whales, porpoises, etc.), which lived during the Eocene epoch (approximately 37,000,000 to 56,000,000 years ago).<\/p>\n State Stone \u2013 Petrified Wood<\/strong><\/p>\n A Senate Concurrent Resolution, designating petrified wood as the state stone, was adopted May 14, 1976. Petrified Wood is real wood that has turned into rock composed of quartz crystals. The Mississippi Petrified Forest is a privately operated park and museum located at 124 Forest Park Road, Flora, Mississippi.<\/p>\n \u200b<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n State Song<\/strong><\/p>\n Go, Mississippi Verse: Choruses:<\/p>\n Go, Mississippi, keep rolling along, Go, Mississippi, you\u2019re on the right track, Go, Mississippi, straight down the line, Go, Mississippi, continue to roll, Go, Mississippi, get up and go, [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Adopted on January 11, 2021. The flag consists of vertical stripes of red, gold, and blue, with a central white magnolia blossom encircled by 20 white stars, one gold star, and the words \u201cIn God We Trust\u201d. It replaces the previous flag that was retired on June 30, 2020 Pledge to the Flag I salute […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":729,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1918","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.harrisontest.lib.ms.us\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1918","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.harrisontest.lib.ms.us\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.harrisontest.lib.ms.us\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.harrisontest.lib.ms.us\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.harrisontest.lib.ms.us\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1918"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.harrisontest.lib.ms.us\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1918\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2307,"href":"https:\/\/www.harrisontest.lib.ms.us\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1918\/revisions\/2307"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.harrisontest.lib.ms.us\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/729"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.harrisontest.lib.ms.us\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1918"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
Words & Music by Houston Davis<\/p>\n
States may sing their songs of praise
With waving flags and hip-hoo-rays,
Let cymbals crash and let bells ring
\u2018Cause here\u2019s one song I\u2019m proud to sing.<\/p>\n
Go, Mississippi, you cannot go wrong,
Go, Mississippi, we\u2019re singing your song,
M-I-S-S-I-S-S-I-P-P-I<\/p>\n
Go, Mississippi, and this is a fact,
Go, Mississippi, you\u2019ll never look back,
M-I-S-S-I-S-S-I-P-P-I<\/p>\n
Go, Mississippi, ev\u2019rything\u2019s fine,
Go, Mississippi, it\u2019s your state and mine,
M-I-S-S-I-S-S-I-P-P-I<\/p>\n
Go, Mississippi, the top is the goal,
Go, Mississippi, you\u2019ll have and you\u2019ll hold,
M-I-S-S-I-S-S-I-P-P-I<\/p>\n
Go, Mississippi, let the world know,
That our Mississippi is leading the show,
M-I-S-S-I-S-S-I-P-P-I<\/p>\n