Mississippi
The Magnolia State: The most well-known nickname for Mississippi is "The
Magnolia State." This nickname honors the stately beauty of the Magnolia
Trees of Mississippi. The Magnolia is Mississippi's official State Tree and the
blossom is Mississippi's official State Flower. "The Magnolia State"
appears on the Mississippi 50 States commemorative quarter issued in October of
2002.
The Bayou State: Mississippi is sometimes
referred to as "The Bayou State" for it's slow-moving streams that wander
through marshes and lowlands along the Mississippi River and the southern section
of the state to the Gulf coast.
The Eagle State: This name came from
the Mississippi Coat of Arms which depicts a Bald Eagle clasping arrows and an
olive branch in its talons. The Mississippi Coat of Arms, based on the National
Coat of Arms, can be seen on the Mississippi Great Seal.
The Border-eagle State: This nickname
is attributed to the Mississippi Coat of Arms as well though it is not known why
the "Border-eagle" is specified.
The Mud-cat State: Large catfish
wandering the swamps and rivers of the states were referred to as Mud-cats. This
humorous name references these large fish.
The Mud-waddler State: In John Goff's
1892 Book of Nicknames, Mississippi is referred to as "The Mud-waddler"
state. No explanation is given.
|
