The mighty Mississippi River flows by the historic city of Vicksburg. It was built halfway between Memphis and New Orleans. Vicksburg became an important fort during the Civil War. It was known as "The Gibraltar of the Confederacy'' because the Battle of Vicksburg was one of the Civil War's longest and most important battles.  The city's surrender in 1863 gave Union forces control of the Mississippi River and separated the South.

    Some famous people who were born in Mississippi are Elvis Presley, Walter Payton, Brett Favre, and Jerry Rice.

Brett Favre is one the best quarterbacks in the NFL. He plays for the Green Bay Packers. He has won the MVP award two times. He won it in 1995 and in 1996.

Elvis Presley was born January 8, 1935. He died August 16, 1977.  He was considered one of the best rock stars ever. Elvis Presley spent two years in the U.S. Army.  He died of a drug overdose.
 

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