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11 Reasons The Entire Country Should Be Thankful For Mississippi

With Thanksgiving approaching, it seemed like an appropriate time to come up with reasons to be thankful for the great state of Mississippi. And I have to tell you, there are a lot! From simple inventions to life-changing advancements, here are just a few of the contributions made by Mississippi that are enjoyed by the entire country. You’re welcome, America.

1. If it weren’t for Mississippi, particularly Phil Gilbert’s Shoe Parlor of Vicksburg, shoes wouldn’t be sold in boxes or even pairs.

2. Mississippi is responsible for the invention of that deliciously bubbly concoction known as Barq’s Root Beer.

3. And the lovable Teddy bear.

4. And the soft toilet seat.

5. Mississippi paved the way for the rest of the nation with major medical advancements, such as the first human lung transplant, the first heart transplant, and first kidney autotransplant

6. That piney fresh scent in a bottle, otherwise known as Pine-Sol, is the creation of a Mississippian and is produced only in Mississippi.

7. Servicing all 50 states, Greenwood’s Norris Bookbinding Company is the largest Bible repair company in the entire country.

8. The popular hotel chain, Holiday Inn, first opened in Clarksdale.

9. Hat maker, John B. Stetson, perfected his craft at Dunn’s Falls.

10. Approximately 70% of the nation’s catfish comes from Belzoni, the “Catfish Capitol of the World.”

11. For over 100 years, Lumberton has been the home of The Bass Pecan Company, one of the largest pecan nurseries in the world.


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