1. On December 12, 1817, Mississippi officially became a state of the United States, joining as the 20th state of the Union. The state's capital was initially located in Natchez before moving to Jackson in 1822.

2. The famous blues musician, Robert Johnson, was reportedly born on December 12, 1911, in Hazlehurst, Mississippi. Despite his short life, he left an immense mark on the music industry and his influence can still be heard in the work of many contemporary musicians.

3. On December 12, 1955, a group of African American citizens in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, attempted to register to vote. The local white officials denied their requests, citing various reasons such as missing paperwork or questions about their qualifications. This event was just one example of the widespread voter suppression that persisted in Mississippi and the South for years to come.

4. Mississippi State University's first dormitory, Old Main, was destroyed in a fire on December 12, 1959. The building had stood since the university's founding in 1878 and was a beloved landmark on the campus. Today, a marker sits in the spot where it once stood, commemorating the history and legacy of Old Main.

5. On December 12, 2019, Mississippi's first female governor, Tate Reeves, was sworn into office. Prior to this position, Reeves had served as the state's lieutenant governor and has been a fixture in Mississippi politics for many years. Her election marked a historic moment for the state and reflected the increasing diversity of leadership in Mississippi.