1. On May 31, 1868, the state of Mississippi was readmitted to the United States after the Civil War. This marked the end of military occupation in the state and the restoration of the state's representation in Congress.

2. On May 31, 1898, black educator and civil rights leader Ida B. Wells was expelled from her position as a schoolteacher in Holly Springs, Mississippi. The move was a response to her vocal criticism of the conditions faced by African Americans in the state.

3. On May 31, 1961, a group of white and black activists known as the Freedom Riders were arrested and jailed in Jackson, Mississippi. The group had been riding interstate buses to protest segregation laws, and their arrests drew national attention to the Civil Rights Movement.

4. May 31, 1972 was the day that Hurricane Agnes struck Mississippi, causing heavy flooding and damaging property throughout the state. The storm caused over $2 billion in damage and claimed several lives.

5. On May 31, 1987, Mississippi State University's baseball team won the NCAA College World Series. The team, led by future Major League Baseball stars Rafael Palmeiro and Will Clark, defeated the University of Texas in the championship game.