State Symbols

State Land Mammal:  The White-Tailed Deer

State Water Mammal:  Bottlenosed Dolphin

State Fish:  Largemouth or Black Bass

State Insect: Honeybee

State Flower:  Magnolia

State Tree:  Magnolia

State Shell:  Oyster Shell

State Fossil:  Prehistoric Whale

State Stone:  Petrified Wood

State Song: "Go, Mississippi" by Houston Davis

Motto:  By valor and arms

Origin of State Name:  The state takes its name from the Mississippi River, which forms the state's western boundary. The river's name was derived from an Algonquin term for "big river."

Nickname for State:  The Magnolia State.  The nickname refers to the abundant magnolia trees that grow there. The magnolia blossom is the state flower.

Nickname for residents:  Mississippians