Mississippi Secrets: Facts, Legends, and Folklore

by Gary D. McDowell

Delve into the fascinating history of one of the South's greatest states with Mississippi Facts, Legends, and Folklore. Authors Dr. Gary D. and Ruth A. McDowell offer an intriguing collection of little-known events in Mississippi's history. Written in short, easy-to-read vignettes, these tales uncover some of the state's most fascinating figures and legends from how the Choctaws and Chickasaws settled the land to a UFO encounter in Pascagoula. You'll also read about famous Mississippians, the American Civil War, the 1960s Civil Rights movement, living in Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina, and other captivating tales that ·The U.S. president who stole another man's wife, brought her to Mississippi, and married her before she was divorced ·The pirate who helped win the Battle of New Orleans and then retired to Bay St. Louis·The national hero who killed a man in a knife fight in Natchez·The blues singer who sold his soul to the devil in Clarksdale in return for his talent·An interview with James Meredith Whether you're a native of Mississippi or simply curious, Mississippi Secrets will capture your imagination with what the history books never tell you!

224 pages, Paperback

First published June 19, 2007

Reviews

[Joey]

I'm not quite finished with this book, having a tough time gettting through it. While it's packed with a lot of interesting information about Mississippi history and lore, the writing is like having a conversation with a little kid, goes back and forth and is all over the place; it's actually kind of funny if you approach it right!

[Eric Stone]

Entertaining read, even if some of the "facts" are in dispute if not outright disproven. It makes a great story that a Mississippi County seceded from the Confederacy. It would make an even better story if it was true. Still, as I am headed toward Mississippi to live, there was plenty in here to make me think, want to explore and read some more of the history of my soon to be newly adopted state.