Statehood The 20th state Dec. 10, 1817 Captial Jackson State 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." State Nickname The Magnolia State The nickname refers to the abundant magnolia trees that grow there. The magnolia blossom is the state flower. Interesting Facts Mississippi's warm climate and rich soil proved ideal for growing cotton, which became the main economic crop before 1800 and remained important until the 20th century. Mississippi has a larger percentage of black residents than any other state. In June 1963 Medgar Evers, state field secretary for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), was shot dead in front of his Jackson home.