Mississippi State Maps
These maps show Mississippi State Counties, Cities, Federal Areas, Physiographic, and Ecoregion's.

The 82 Counties of Mississippi and Their Name Origins
- Adams County: Named after President John Adams.
- Alcorn County: Named for James L. Alcorn, a governor of Mississippi.
- Amite County: Derived from the French word for friendship, "amitié."
- Attala County: Named after Atala, a fictional Native American woman in an 1801 novel by François-René de Chateaubriand.
- Benton County: Named after Thomas Hart Benton, a U.S. Senator from Missouri.
- Bolivar County: Named after Simon Bolivar, the South American liberator.
- Calhoun County: Named for John C. Calhoun, the 7th Vice President of the United States.
- Carroll County: Named for Charles Carroll, the last surviving signer of the Declaration of Independence.
- Chickasaw County: Named for the Chickasaw Native American tribe.
- Choctaw County: Named after the Choctaw Native American tribe.
- Claiborne County: Named after William Claiborne, the first Governor of Louisiana.
- Clarke County: Named for Joshua G. Clarke, a judge and first state chancellor.
- Clay County: Originally named Colfax County, renamed for Henry Clay, U.S. Senator from Kentucky.
- Coahoma County: Derived from a Native American word meaning “red panther.”
- Copiah County: Derived from a Native American word meaning "calling panther."
- Covington County: Named after Leonard Covington, a general during the War of 1812.
- DeSoto County: Named for the Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto.
- Forrest County: Named for Nathan Bedford Forrest, a Confederate general.
- Franklin County: Named for Benjamin Franklin, a Founding Father of the United States.
- George County: Named for James Z. George, a U.S. Senator from Mississippi.
- Greene County: Named for General Nathanael Greene of the American Revolutionary War.
- Grenada County: Derived from the Spanish word for pomegranate and named after the city of Grenada in Spain.
- Hancock County: Named after John Hancock, a Founding Father and prominent statesman.
- Harrison County: Named for William Henry Harrison, the 9th President of the United States.
- Hinds County: Named for General Thomas Hinds, a hero of the Battle of New Orleans.
- Holmes County: Named after David Holmes, the first governor of Mississippi.
- Humphreys County: Named for Benjamin G. Humphreys, a governor of Mississippi during the Reconstruction era.
- Issaquena County: Derived from a Native American word meaning "deer river."
- Itawamba County: Named for Chief Itawamba, a leader of the Chickasaw people.
- Jackson County: Named for Andrew Jackson, the 7th President of the United States.
- Jasper County: Named for William Jasper, a hero of the American Revolutionary War.
- Jefferson County: Named for Thomas Jefferson, the 3rd President of the United States.
- Jefferson Davis County: Named for Jefferson Davis, the President of the Confederate States of America.
- Jones County: Named for John Paul Jones, a naval hero of the American Revolution.
- Kemper County: Named for Reuben Kemper, a pioneer and soldier.
- Lafayette County: Named after the Marquis de Lafayette, a French aristocrat and military officer who fought in the American Revolutionary War.
- Lamar County: Named for Lucius Q. C. Lamar, a U.S. Senator from Mississippi.
- Lauderdale County: Named for James Lauderdale, a War of 1812 officer.
- Lawrence County: Named for James Lawrence, a naval captain during the War of 1812.
- Leake County: Named for Walter Leake, a former governor of Mississippi.
- Lee County: Named after Robert E. Lee, the Confederate general during the American Civil War.
- Leflore County: Named for Greenwood Leflore, a Choctaw leader and statesman.
- Lincoln County: Named for President Abraham Lincoln.
- Lowndes County: Named after William Lowndes, a U.S. Congressman from South Carolina.
- Madison County: Named for President James Madison, the 4th President of the United States.
- Marion County: Named for General Francis Marion, a Revolutionary War hero known as the "Swamp Fox."
- Marshall County: Named for Chief Justice John Marshall.
- Monroe County: Named for President James Monroe, the 5th President of the United States.
- Montgomery County: Named for Richard Montgomery, a general in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War.
- Neshoba County: Derived from a Choctaw word meaning "wolf."
- Newton County: Named for Sir Isaac Newton, the famous scientist.
- Noxubee County: Derived from a Native American word meaning "stinking water."
- Oktibbeha County: Derived from a Native American word meaning "bloody water."
- Panola County: Derived from a Native American word meaning "cotton."
- Pearl River County: Named for the Pearl River, which runs through the county.
- Perry County: Named for Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, a naval hero of the War of 1812.
- Pike County: Named for Zebulon Pike, an explorer and soldier.
- Pontotoc County: Derived from a Chickasaw word meaning "land of hanging grapes."
- Prentiss County: Named for Seargent Smith Prentiss, a lawyer and politician.
- Quitman County: Named after John A. Quitman, a governor of Mississippi and Confederate general.
- Rankin County: Named for Christopher Rankin, a U.S. Congressman from Mississippi.
- Scott County: Named for General Winfield Scott, a hero of the War of 1812.
- Sharkey County: Named for William L. Sharkey, a governor of Mississippi.
- Simpson County: Named for Judge Josiah Simpson.
- Smith County: Named for Major David Smith, a hero of the American Revolution.
- Stone County: Named for John M. Stone, a governor of Mississippi.
- Sunflower County: Named for the Sunflower River, which runs through the county.
- Tallahatchie County: Derived from a Native American word meaning "rock of waters."
- Tate County: Named for Thomas Simpson Tate, a state senator.
- Tippah County: Derived from a Native American word meaning "cut off" or "split."
- Tishomingo County: Named after Chief Tishomingo, a Chickasaw leader.
- Tunica County: Named after the Tunica Native American tribe.
- Union County: Named for the concept of unity after the Civil War.
- Walthall County: Named for Edward C. Walthall, a U.S. Senator from Mississippi.
- Warren County: Named for Joseph Warren, an American Revolution hero killed at the Battle of Bunker Hill.
- Washington County: Named for George Washington, the first President of the United States.
- Wayne County: Named for General Anthony Wayne, a hero of the American Revolutionary War.
- Webster County: Named for Daniel Webster, a renowned American statesman.
- Wilkinson County: Named for General James Wilkinson, a controversial American officer and politician.
- Winston County: Named for Louis Winston, a judge in Mississippi.
- Yalobusha County: Derived from a Native American word meaning "tadpole place."
- Yazoo County: Named for the Yazoo River, which in turn was named for the Yazoo Native American tribe.

Mississippi State County Sizes Map
Smallest County in Mississippi State
Alcorn County: 400 sq miles
Largest County in Mississippi State
Yazoo County: 928 sq miles
Mean and Median Area of Counties in Mississippi State
Mean Area: 645 sq miles
Median Area: 598 sq miles

Major Cities of Mississippi State and Their Locations
In Mississippi State, major cities often lie along river systems or historic transportation routes. Below are examples:
1. River Cities
Jackson: The capital city is located along the Pearl River and serves as a political and economic hub.
Vicksburg: Historically significant as a port city along the Mississippi River.
Natchez: One of the oldest cities in the state, situated along the Mississippi River, known for its antebellum homes and historical significance.
Gulfport: A major port city on the Gulf Coast, known for its shipping and tourism industries.
Biloxi: Another key coastal city along the Gulf of Mexico, famous for its casinos and seafood industry.
Tupelo: Located near the Tombigbee River, Tupelo is known as the birthplace of Elvis Presley and serves as a regional economic hub.
Corinth: A city near the Tennessee border, known for its Civil War history and its proximity to the Tennessee and Mississippi rivers.
Oxford: A cultural and academic center, home to the University of Mississippi, located near the Tallahatchie River.
2. Transportation Hubs
Hattiesburg: Located along historic rail routes, Hattiesburg is an economic and education center, home to the University of Southern Mississippi.
Meridian: Another city located along key transportation routes, serving as a vital railroad junction and historically important for the timber industry.


Topographic Tour of Mississippi
Mississippi State features diverse landscapes, from coastal plains to river valleys. Below are highlights:
1. Coastal Plains
The southern part of the state features low-lying coastal plains, with marshes, estuaries, and tidal flats. This area is critical for fishing and trade.
2. Mississippi Alluvial Plain
This fertile region lies along the western part of the state, where the Mississippi River has carved deep valleys and deposited rich soil over time.
3. Interior Hills
Central Mississippi is characterized by rolling hills, forests, and farmland. It includes areas like the Pine Belt and Black Belt, known for their distinct geography and ecosystems.

Physiographic Regions of Mississippi
Coastal Plain, East Gulf Coastal Plain
The Coastal Plain extends across southern Mississippi, including beaches, marshlands, and estuaries, supporting tourism, fishing, and agriculture.
Coastal Plain, Mississippi Alluvial Plain
This region is characterized by flat floodplains and rich soils along the Mississippi River. The area is important for agriculture, especially cotton farming.

Notable Federal Lands: Some of the Largest and Most Fascinating Destinations in Mississippi
1. Natchez Trace Parkway
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a scenic road stretching through the state, offering history and nature enthusiasts a chance to explore Mississippi's landscapes, from rolling hills to dense forests, and historical landmarks along the route.
2. Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge
Located along the Gulf Coast, this refuge protects the endangered Mississippi Sandhill Crane and its wet pine savannah habitat, providing critical conservation for this rare bird species.
3. De Soto National Forest
De Soto National Forest offers recreation, hiking, and camping opportunities in Mississippi's Pine Belt, featuring longleaf pine ecosystems and abundant wildlife. It's a popular destination for outdoor activities.
4. Black Creek Wilderness
Located within De Soto National Forest, Black Creek Wilderness is a federally designated wilderness area known for its unspoiled beauty, hiking, canoeing, and wildlife viewing along Black Creek, a National Wild and Scenic River.
5. Vicksburg National Military Park
This park preserves the site of the Civil War’s Siege of Vicksburg. Visitors can explore the battlefield, restored fortifications, and monuments, making it an essential destination for history enthusiasts.
6. Holly Springs National Forest
Located in the northern part of the state, Holly Springs National Forest offers scenic beauty, hiking, fishing, and hunting. Its rolling hills and hardwood forests are a favorite for outdoor recreation.
7. Bienville National Forest
This national forest provides opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Its lush forests and numerous lakes and streams attract visitors year-round.
8. Gulf Islands National Seashore
Located along the Gulf Coast, Gulf Islands National Seashore offers beautiful beaches, historic forts, and rich marine life, providing visitors with opportunities for swimming, boating, and exploring coastal habitats.
9. Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Situated on the Mississippi-Alabama border, this refuge protects valuable coastal habitats, including marshes and wetlands, and is a crucial area for migratory birds and other wildlife.
10. Tombigbee National Forest
This forest, located in northeastern Mississippi, is known for its mixed hardwood and pine forests, offering recreational opportunities such as hiking, horseback riding, and hunting.
11. Homochitto National Forest
Located in southwestern Mississippi, Homochitto National Forest features extensive pine forests and is popular for camping, hiking, and birdwatching.
12. Panther Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
This refuge, located in the Mississippi Delta, is known for its wetland habitats, supporting waterfowl and a variety of wildlife species. It is a popular destination for birdwatching and hunting.
13. Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge
Located in the Mississippi Delta, Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge is the oldest national wildlife refuge in the state, offering wetland habitats for waterfowl and providing excellent opportunities for wildlife observation and hunting.

Ecoregions of Mississippi
Coastal Plains and Flatwoods, Lower Section
This region includes the flatwoods along the Gulf Coast, with wetland forests and wildlife-rich areas, crucial for biodiversity conservation.
Coastal Plains, Middle Section
This inland section of the coastal plains features a mix of forests, wetlands, and agriculture, with important timber and farming industries.
Louisiana Coast Prairies and Marshes Section
This area along the southern border with Louisiana includes marshlands and prairies that support fishing, shrimping, and bird habitats.
Mississippi Alluvial Basin Section
The fertile floodplains along the Mississippi River, known for agriculture, particularly cotton and soybean farming, are part of this region.