Mississippi Admitted as the 20th State of the United States on December 10, 1817

On December 10, 1817, Mississippi was officially admitted to the Union as the 20th state of the United States. This significant event marked a key moment in the expansion of the United States, reflecting the broader westward movement and the growing complexity of statehood in the early 19th century.

Historical Context

The journey to statehood for Mississippi began well before 1817. Originally the land was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Choctaw and Chickasaw, who had lived there for thousands of years. European exploration began in the 16th century, with French explorers establishing a presence in the 17th century. The area shifted hands between French and British control before finally being ceded to the United States following the American Revolutionary War and subsequent treaties.

The Mississippi Territory was established by the U.S. Congress in 1798, initially comprising a much larger area, including parts of what would later become Alabama. The population grew rapidly due to settlers attracted by the fertile land particularly suitable for plantation agriculture and the cotton industry, driven by the demand for cotton in both domestic and international markets.

Road to Statehood

Efforts towards statehood gained momentum as the population met the required threshold. By 1817, the region’s settlers petitioned Congress for statehood. The Enabling Act of 1817 set the process in motion, formally allowing residents to draft a state constitution.

A constitutional convention was convened, and a state constitution was drafted, emphasizing democratic principles and reflecting the socio-economic interests of the region. The Congress approved the constitution, paving the way for Mississippi’s admission as a state.

Aftermath and Significance

Mississippi’s entry into the Union was part of the broader push of U.S. expansion. It contributed to the ongoing debate over the balance between slave and free states. As a slave state, Mississippi’s admission highlighted the growing sectional tensions that would eventually lead to the American Civil War.

The establishment of Mississippi as a state also accelerated development in terms of infrastructure, economy, and society. The growth of agriculture, particularly cotton farming, fueled by the labor of enslaved African Americans, made it one of the wealthiest territories, albeit with profound social inequities.

Legacy

Today, Mississippi’s statehood anniversary is a reminder of the complex history of the United States’ expansion and the diverse cultural and economic forces that shaped it. The state’s rich history includes significant contributions to American music, literature, and civil rights, making it a place of both historical challenges and rich cultural heritage.