©N. Culpepper
Meridian Downtown, Mississippi

Mississippi is the 20th state of the United States of America. It is located in the southeastern region of the country commonly referred to as the American South. It is part of the southern states region collectively known as Dixieland, set apart from the rest of the United States for its distinctive customs, musical styles and cuisines. Mississippi derives its name from the major river system which flows along its western boundary. The state is bordered by Louisiana and Arkansas to the west, across the Mississippi River, Alabama to the east, Tennessee to the north, and Louisiana and the Gulf of Mexico to the south.

Typical to the East Gulf Coastal region, Mississippi is composed entirely of lowlands. Its region is known of its fertile black earth that extends into the Alabama Black Belt. As such, the state is heavily forested, with pine, cottonwood, elm, hickory, oak, pecan, sweet gum and tupelo trees covering more than half of its land area. Mississippi features a humid subtropical climate, enjoying long summers and short, generally mild winters. Although uncommon, heavy snowfall is possible across the state. The greatest concern is the seasonal flooding that frequently occurs in December to June.

The first European settlement into the territory that became Mississippi was established by the French in 1699. Through the next decades, the area was ruled by Spanish, British and French colonial governments. After Britain's victory over the French and their Indian allies in the Seven Years' War, the lands in the Mississippi area were ceded by the French to Britain following the 1763 Treaty of Paris. Mississippi was formally established in 1798, after the American Revolution and in 1817, it became the 20th state of the United States of America. By the 1830s, Mississippi had transformed itself into a rich plantation economy, supported by the great fertility of the soil and the high price of cotton on the international market.

During the American civil war, Mississippi was a major battleground for the Union and Confederate armies. The state’s location and the significance of the Mississippi River in logistics made it a strategically important acquisition for both the North and South. Dozens of battles were fought in the state as armies repeatedly clashed near key towns and cities. The most significant battle fought was the Siege of Vicksburg, which is considered by many as one of the turning points of the war.

Military Education in Mississippi

With high military presence, the state is a prime location for several military educational programs. The state has several major military installations: the Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi and the Columbus Air Force Base in Lowndes; the Naval Air Station in Meridian, the Gulfport Battalion Center in Gulfport and the Naval Station in Pascagoula have been major influences for military education in the state.

Its significant role in the American civil war also provides a good backdrop for military education in the state. Prior to the American Civil War, education in Mississippi was in the hands of privately run institutions.

Mississippi Military Boarding Schools

Mississippi is home to several military schools and programs offered by private institutions all over the state. Currently, there are dozens of private military schools, college prep military schools, public elementary military schools, as well as military programs offered by state colleges. To find a military boarding school, just click on any of the links below.