Historical Events tagged with "mississippi"
Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.
Mississippi Certifies the Thirteenth Amendment
Mississippi officially certified the Thirteenth Amendment, making it the last state to approve the abolition of slavery in the United States. This certification came decades after the amendment was ratified nationwide in 1865 and was formalized as part of a clerical oversight correction process. The state legislature, during a session, voted to accept the amendment, concluding a long historical journey towards the formal recognition of freedom for all Americans.
Continue ReadingMassive Tornado Outbreak Strikes Southeastern USA
In late April, a catastrophic outbreak of tornadoes struck the Southeastern United States, primarily affecting Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, and Tennessee. On a single day, 205 tornadoes touched down, resulting in over 300 fatalities and leaving hundreds more injured. The devastation was severe, with entire neighborhoods obliterated and thousands of homes and businesses damaged or destroyed. This extreme weather event was fueled by a potent combination of atmospheric conditions that created an environment conducive to severe thunderstorms and tornado formation.
Continue ReadingDevastating Tornado Outbreak in Southern US
A significant tornado outbreak struck the Southern United States, resulting in the loss of 57 lives and widespread destruction. The outbreak predominantly affected areas in Arkansas, Tennessee, and Mississippi, with tornadoes rated EF2 to EF4 on the Enhanced Fujita scale. Particularly severe damage was reported in the city of Little Rock, Arkansas, where numerous homes and businesses were destroyed. The tornadoes formed due to a potent winter storm system interacting with warm air from the Gulf of Mexico, leading to unstable atmospheric conditions. Affected communities grappled with recovery efforts in the aftermath.
Continue ReadingHurricane Katrina impacts the Gulf Coast
Hurricane Katrina was a powerful Category 5 hurricane that made landfall on the U.S. Gulf Coast, devastating areas from Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle. It caused extensive destruction, resulting in the deaths of up to 1,836 people and damages estimated at $125 billion. The city of New Orleans faced catastrophic flooding due to levee failures, leading to widespread emergency evacuations. The storm's impact raised significant questions about disaster preparedness and government response.
Continue ReadingEdgar Ray Killen Convicted of Manslaughter
Edgar Ray Killen was convicted of manslaughter for his involvement in the 1964 murders of civil rights workers James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Mickey Schwerner. This landmark conviction came after the case was reopened in 2004, drawing national attention to the historical racial violence in Mississippi. Killen, a former Ku Klux Klan leader, had previously been tried twice in the 1960s but was acquitted both times. The jury deliberated for only 40 minutes before reaching a guilty verdict, reflecting the changing attitudes towards civil rights and justice over the decades.
Continue ReadingIndictment of Edgar Ray Killen for 1964 Murders
Edgar Ray Killen was indicted for his involvement in the 1964 murders of civil rights workers Andrew Goodman, Michael Schwerner, and James Chaney in Neshoba County, Mississippi. This indictment came decades after the crimes occurred during a time of heightened racial tensions and civil rights activism. The case was reopened as part of efforts to address unresolved civil rights violations, exemplifying ongoing struggles for justice. Killen, identified as a Ku Klux Klan leader, faced charges both of murder and conspiracy, marking a significant moment in the pursuit of accountability for racially motivated violence.
Continue ReadingMississippi Ratifies Thirteenth Amendment
Mississippi formally ratified the Thirteenth Amendment, achieving the formal abolition of slavery in the United States. Despite the Thirteenth Amendment being ratified in 1865, Mississippi was the last state to sign off in 1995. The ratification occurred when state lawmakers took action to correct the oversight, reflecting unique local and national historical contexts surrounding slavery and civil rights.
Continue ReadingByron De La Beckwith Found Guilty of Murder
Byron De La Beckwith was convicted for the 1963 murder of civil rights leader Medgar Evers in Jackson, Mississippi. The case, which had faced multiple trials and a lengthy delay, culminated in a guilty verdict after more than three decades. The prosecution presented crucial evidence, including the murder weapon linked to Beckwith. This conviction was seen as a significant moment in the fight against racial oppression and justice for civil rights activists.
Continue ReadingPeak of the Great Floods in America
The Great Mississippi and Missouri Rivers Flood reached its peak in the summer of 1993, causing widespread devastation across the Midwest. Heavy rainfall in the upper Midwest led to the overflow of rivers and significant flooding in states like Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri. With levees breaking under pressure, countless homes, businesses, and farmlands were inundated. Emergency management agencies mobilized to support affected communities, marking this flood as one of the most catastrophic natural disasters in U.S. history. Several thousand people were evacuated from their homes, and long-term recovery efforts began after waters receded, highlighting the need for improved flood control measures.
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