50 States: South Carolina

SOUTH CAROLINA

Our nation's 8th state is South Carolina (SC). It became a state on May 23, 1788. With an area of roughly 30,000 square miles, South Carolina is the 40th biggest state.

Originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Cherokee and Catawba, the colony of Carolina was divided in 1710 into North Carolina and South Carolina. When it was discovered that rice and indigo grew well in this area, it was quickly inhabited by Europeans who built large plantations, which were worked by African slaves. During the American Revolution, more battles were fought here than in any other state. On December 20, 1860, South Carolina was the first state to secede from the Union. The Civil War would begin almost four months later. South Carolina was devastated by the Civil War and would spend years reconstructing their economy and infrastructure. The southern plantation lifestyle ended with the emancipation of the slaves. Today, South Carolina's economy is driven by several different industries such as aerospace, alternative energy, automotive, biotechnology, distribution, food processing, wood products, chemicals, and tourism.

The capital and largest city in SC is Columbia. It is home to the Riverbanks Zoo.

People who live in South Carolina are called South Carolinians. Some famous people born here included:

James Brown...dancer/singer

Chubby Chucker...singer

Tyler Florence...chef

Joe Frazier...boxer

Arthur Freed...producer/songwriter

Dizzy Gillespie...trumpet player/songwriter

Andrew Jackson...US President

Shoeless Joe Jackson...baseball player

James Longstreet...general

Charles Pinckney...founding father

Darius Rucker...singer

Vanna White...game show host

Today, there are nearly 4.8 million people who live in this state, making it the 24th most populous.

The state's nickname is the "Palmetto State." The palmetto palm is depicted on the South Carolina state flag along with a crescent moon. This particular tree was chosen because trunks of the palmetto palm were used to create a fort during the Revolutionary War which simply absorbed cannonballs instead of being knocked down. The flag was adopted in 1861.

The state's motto is "Dum Spiro Spero," which means "While I breathe, I hope." Other state symbols are:

Bird...Carolina wren

Game bird...Wild turkey

Animal...Whitetail deer

Butterfly...Eastern tiger swallowtail butterfly

Insect...Carolina Mantid

Fish...striped bass

Dog...Boykin spaniel

Reptile...Loggerhead turtle

Spider...Carolina wolf spider

Amphibian...Spotted salamander

Flower...Yellow Jessamine

Tree...Sabal palmetto

Beverage...Milk

Hospitality Beverage...Tea

Fruit...Peach

(Despite Georgia being the Peach State, SC is the leading producer in the US.)

South Carolina has more state symbols, including a state dance and state gemstone. They must have had fun coming up with so many different ones.

So, what is there to do in South Carolina besides visit the Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia? Well, you can take a tour boat over to Fort Sumter, the site of the first shots fired in the Civil War. You can also visit Patriots Point in Mt. Pleasant, a maritime museum in Charleston Harbor, and tour the USS Yorktown. Boone Hall and Plantation is also in Mt. Pleasant. Another plantation is Drayton Hall in Charleston.

An extremely popular tourist destination in South Carolina is Myrtle Beach. There are large shopping centers, amusement parks and water parks, and the Myrtle Beach Skywheel. View a list of activities including beach activities, water sports, and amusements.

South Carolina also has a lot of nature to explore. My cousin, Paul, has taken some beautiful photographs of South Carolina. His waterfall pictures are simply breathtaking. Check them out!

Lake Murray has had sightings of a creature like the Loch Ness Monster since 1933. Do you think it could be real?

Play some South Carolina learning games and test your knowledge of this state.

The following items are for sale through christianbook.com. I am an affiliate. If you purchase anything through my blog, I will receive a commission.

It Happened in South Carolina By Globe Pequot

A Primary Source History of the Colony of South Carolina - Unabridged Audiobook on CD By Heather Hasan & Eileen Stevens / Brilliance Audio Learn all about the colony of South Carolina, which was built on entrepreneurship as well as religious and political freedoms. This compelling book provides the background and history of this colony, which would later become a major factor in the French and Indian War, the American Revolutionary War, and the Civil War. Unabridged audio CD; approximately 1 hour 3 minutes; 1 CD.

South Carolina Fab Facts Fast Card Game By Carole Marsh & Sherry Moss(Editor) / Gallopade International

South Carolina Geography Project Book, Grades 3-8 By Carole Marsh / Gallopade International Geography projects include: building a "state tree" with leaves from as many types of trees as possible, recreating the path of a state river using a wire coat hanger, and more.

More than Petticoats: Remarkable South Carolina Women By Globe Pequot

Churches of Charleston and the Lowcountry By George C. Rogers, Preservation Society of Charleston & Preservation Society of Charleston / University of South Carolina Press

Daily Devotions for Die-Hard Fans: South Carolina Gamecocks By Ed McMinn / Extra Point Publishers Daily Devotions for Die-Hard Fans: South Carolina Gamecocks combines the great passion of the Gamecock fan with the great passion of the fan of Christ into one set of devotions.

The Mystery at Fort Sumter: First Shot Fired in the Civil War! By Carole Marsh / Gallopade International Set in major American locations and using real kids as characters, this popular nation-wide series integrates history and state lore into fascinating mysteries! Christina, Grant, Mini, and Papa go to Charleston, South Carolina, in search of missing (and dead!) Aunt Lulu. There they learn about Fort Sumter and the first shots fired in the Civil war as they solve a mystery during a rare winter blizzard! 158 pages, softcover.

The Civil War: A Narrative: Volume 1: Fort Sumter to Perryville - eBook By Shelby Foote, Dostoyevsky / Vintage

A Yankee Girl at Fort Sumter By Alice Turner Curtis / Applewood Books This is the story of Sylvia, a little girl from Boston, and her adventures in Charleston, South Carolina, just before the start of the Civil War.

Historic North American Forts Coloring Book By Peter F. Copeland / Dover Publications Many of them are National Historic Sites today, but in their time these forts were among the first footsteps of a westward-bound society. Illustrations of 44 historic forts range from sites in the northernmost reaches of the United States and Canada to El Morro, Puerto Rico's sixteenth-century citadel. Detailed captions accompany scenes from Fort McHenry, Fort Jamestown, Fort Ticonderoga, Fort Sumter, Plymouth Fort, Fort Laramie, and many other strongholds.

The Longest Night A Military History of the Civil War By David J. Eicher / Simon & Schuster In this compelling new account of the American Civil War, noted historian David Eicher gives us an authoritative history of battle from the first shots at Fort Sumter to Lee's surrender at Appomattox. As a strictly military history, this book covers hundreds of engagements, both well known and obscure, including the oft-neglected Western theater and naval actions along the coasts and rivers. The result is a gripping popular history that will fascinate anyone just learning about the Civil War while offering more than a few surprises for longtime students.

The Unknown Civil War: Odd, Peculiar, & Unusual Stories From the War Between the States By Webb Garrison / Sourcebooks Webb Garrison demonstrates that a general review of the little-known stories of the American Civil War exposes a number of overlooked, unexamined aspects of the four-year conflict. Despite the vast amount of research by generations of scholars and the scrutiny to which the war has been subjected, there are many motives, accomplishments, and repercussions about which little is known. As a result, because so much has either been forgotten, overlooked, or left unknown, a sense of mystery and fascination still clings to the war. From Fort Sumter to Appomattox, and reaching as far back as 1784, Garrison shares the stories that still raise questions today: questions about slavery, political maneuvering, the commanders, the common soldiers, and the people who had to bear forty-eight months of war. All are parts of the unknown Civil War.

The Civil War: A Narrative - 3 Volumes By Shelby Foote / Random House, Inc Civil War is a narrative written by Shelby Foote, who, instead of inventing characters and incidents, searched them out and, having found them, took them as they were. Many books by military experts or profesional historians went into the making of these books. The most useful and largest one being the 128-volume War of the Rebellion: a Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Each of the three novels in this series is approximately 830 pages long. The first book is titled Fort Sumter to Perryville and covers the years from 1861 to 1862. Book two covers Fredericksburg to Meridian and the years 1862 to 1864. And the final novel in this series titled Red River to Appomattox covers 1864 to 1867.

50 States: Ohio

OHIO

The 17th state in the Union is Ohio (OH). It became a state on March 1, 1803, by an act of Congress in 1953. The actual start date of statehood was never written down, so the date of the first meeting of the Ohio legislature was used. Ohio has an area of 44,825 square miles, making it the 34th largest state. More than 11.5 million people live here as of 2013.

The capital of Ohio is Columbus; this is also the largest city in the state. Upon achieving statehood, the capital was Chillicothe, then Zanesville, back to Chillicothe, then Columbus in 1816. The current governor is John Kasich.

The people who live in Ohio are called Ohioans. Some famous people born in this state include:

Neil Armstrong...astronaut

Halle Berry...actress

Mary Ann Bickerdyke...Civil War nurse

Joseph Brant...Mohawk Indian chief, Christian missionary, British military officer (here is one definitely worth researching!!)

Drew Carey...actor, now of "The Price is Right" fame

George Carruthers...physicist

George Custer...general

Thomas Edison...inventor

Guy Fieri...chef, television personality

Harvey Firestone...entrepreneur

Clark Gable...actor

James Garfield...US President

John Glenn...astronaut

Ulysses S. Grant...US President

Zane Grey...author

Scott Hamilton...ice skater

Warren G. Harding...US President

Benjamin Harrison...US President

Rutherford B. Hayes...US President

John Heisman...coach, football player

Maya Lin...architect

James A. Lovell, Jr...astronaut

Henry Mancini...conductor

William McKinley...US President

Paul Newman...actor

Annie Oakley...folk hero

Dr. Oz...television personality, surgeon

Norman Vincent Peale...author, minister

Pontiac...Native Indian chief

John D. Rockefeller, Jr...philanthropist

Roy Rogers...actor, guitarist

William Tecumseh Sherman...Civil War general

Steven Spielberg...director, producer

Billy Strayhorn...songwriter

William Howard Taft...US President

Granville T. Woods...inventor

Orville Wright...inventor

Cy Young...baseball player

Wow, seven presidents and three astronauts! This is quite an impressive list. There were more than 150 famous people born in Ohio. This list is just a sampling. Be sure to learn more about these people and the others who hail from Ohio.

The economy of Ohio is supported by many different manufactured products such as airplanes, cars, plastics, steel, and things made of rubber. Coal is mined here also, and some farming is done as well. Some of the Fortune 500 companies that are headquartered in Ohio are Kroger, Procter & Gamble, Marathon Petroleum, Nationwide Insurance, Macy's, Goodyear Tire & Rubber, Progressive Insurance, Sherwin-Williams, Travel Centers of America, Big Lots, and J.M. Smucker.

Ohio's nicknames are "The Buckeye State" because of the countless buckeye trees that once grew in this state, "The Heart of It All" because of the state's shape and its location in the country, "The Mother of Presidents" for obvious reasons as can be seen above, and "Birthplace of Aviation" because it is the birthplace of Orville Wright and three astronauts.

Ohio's motto is "With God, All Things Are Possible." The state symbols of Ohio are as follows:

Bird...cardinal

Mammal...white-tailed deer

Insect...ladybug

Reptile...black racer snake

Flower...scarlet carnation

Tree...buckeye

Beverage...tomato juice

Ohio has the only state flag that is not a rectangle. It is called the Ohio burgee and is shaped like a pennant. The red and white stripes are similar to the US Flag. The blue triangle stands for the hills of Ohio. The 13 stars to the left of the white "O" stand for the first 13 colonies. Add to that the 4 white stars to the right, and you get 17. Ohio was the 17th state.

Here are some other interesting facts about Ohio:

*Cincinnati had the first ambulance service in 1865.

*The first traffic light went into service on August 5, 1914, in Cleveland.

*The cash register was invented by James Ritty in 1879.

*Police cars were first used in Akron.

*The hot dog was created by Harry M. Stevens and served first in 1900.

*Marietta was Ohio's first permanent settlement.

*The first automobile was made in 1891 by John Lambert.

*Teflon was invented in 1938 by Roy J. Plunkett.

If Ohio is in your travel plans, there are some sites you will probably want to add to your itinerary, like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Cedar Point in Sandusky, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, the Cincinnati Zoo, African Safari Wildlife Park in Port Clinton, the Toledo Zoo, the house from A Christmas Story, German Village in Columbus, National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, West Side Market in Cleveland, Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, The Wilds in Columbus, and the Akron Zoo.

Those who are interested in touring historic homes will find an abundance in Ohio. In Akron, you can visit the Hower House, Perkins Stone Mansion, Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens. The Sauder Village in Archbold is a 19th-century village complete with blacksmith, glassblower, and tinsmith. Visit the Hale Farm and Village in Bath for a glimpse at what life was like on a farm in the mid 1800s. Bellevue boasts the Historic Lyme Village. The Century Village Museum is located in Burton. The Christian Waldschmidt House in Camp Dennison is an 1804 house built in the Pennsylvania Dutch style. It served as part of the Union Army's training camp.

Cincinnati is home to the Harriet Beecher Stowe House, John Hauck House, Taft Museum, and the William Howard Taft National Historic Site. Visit the Hayes Presidential Center in Fremont and the Robbins Hunter Museum in Granville. Lane-Hooven House is in Hamilton. The birthplace of William Tecumseh Sherman is open for tours in Lancaster. Marietta boasts "The Castle," and Marion is where you will find The President Harding Home and Museum. Spring Hill in Massillon was a stop on the underground railroad and is open for tours. President Garfield's home, Lawnfield, is located in Mentor. The Edison Birthplace Museum is located in Milan. The Victorian Preservation Association lists many more historic homes throughout Ohio.

Play some games to test your Ohio knowledge.

The following items are for sale on christianbook.com. If you purchase through my blog, I will receive a commission as I am an affiliate.

Ohio By Michael Martin, Jackie Ball(Editor) & Kristen Behrens(Editor) / Gareth Stevens Publishing

Ohio and Its People: Bicentennial Edition - eBook By George Knepper / Kent State University Press

Hidden Ohio By Julie K. Rubini / Charlesbridge Publishing Discover the hidden facts about Ohio. Each two-page spread presents interesting information, from famous inventors to locations to history. Along the bottom is a list of images to find. Turn the pages every which way in order to find what you're looking for. Softcover.

Ohio Big Activity Book, Grades K-5 By Gallopade International

Ohio Jingo By Gary Grimm & Associates

History of Ohio in Words of One Syllable By Annie Cole Cady / Applewood Books Books containing words of one syllable proliferated in the late nineteenth century as a way to teach children to read. These books, today, still serve that purpose and are very popular with homeschoolers and parents as a way to promote reading. In this popular book from 1888, one-syllable words tell the history of the struggles and triumphs of the state of Ohio. Written to help youngsters of the day learn to read, the book combines stories, poems, and illustrations. Multi-syllable words are broken up into single syllables as Ohio's colorful past unfolds from statehood to the year 1888 when the book was first published. Patriotic, informative, and historical, this children's book remains a useful educational tool for teaching America history. In addition to being "both instructive and interesting to the little people for whom it is written," its unique presentation of the history of the state of Ohio can be appreciated by book lovers and history lovers of any age.

All Around Ohio: Regions And Resources By Marcia Schonberg / Heinemann Raintree How much salt is mined each year from Ohio's salt mines? Where in Ohio are footballs made? How do people make their living along the Ohio River? This book contains all kinds of fun and fascinating facts about the regions of Ohio and their valuable resources. You'll find colorful maps that help you locate Ohio's regions and understand their features. You will learn about the many natural and man-made resources of the state and how they affect its economy. And you will discover that there is much more to Ohio than just buckeyes!

One Giant Leap: The Story of Neil Armstrong By Don Brown / Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Discover the life of Neal Armstrong, from his days as a boy dreaming of flying to becoming a hero to millions as he walked on the moon. Beautifully illustrated and simply narrated, this story briefly details Armstrong's life.

Thomas Edison: Inspiration and Hard Work By Janet Benge & Geoff Benge / YWAM Publishing The Heroes of History series chronicles the true stories of fascinating men and women who changed the course of history. With only three months of formal education, Thomas Edison grew up to be one of the most successful inventors of all time. Applying scientific principles to practical use, he made scores of inventions and held over thirteen hundred patents, from improvements on the telegraph and phonograph to the development of the incandescent lamp and a whole system for distributing electricity. For ages 10 and up.

Thomas Edison Book of Easy and Incredible Experiments: Activities, Projects and Science Fun for All Ages By James G. Cook / John Wiley & Sons Thomas Edison patented 1,093 inventions and more chemistry experiments than any other scientist ever! This book reflects the fascination that he found in experimentation and presents the best, most popular experiments and projects sponsored by the prestigious Edison Foundation. Here, in one convenient volume, you will find a range of activities from the very simple (for primary or middle grades or individual young scientists at home) to the intriguingly complex (for older students, groups, or an entire class). These experiments require no science background. They utilize inexpensive, easy-to-obtain materials. Most of all, the projects are fun to build, safe and useful, and each provides a good demonstration of important scientific principles in real-life action! Most youngsters and teens can work on the experiments with little supervision, and there are ample ideas for science fairs and "extra-credit" projects. Over 100 illustrations are included, plus photos of the legendary inventor himself. Experiments in this book encompass magnetism, electricity, electrochemistry, chemistry, physics, energy, and environmental studies--topics for varied interests in grades 4 through 11. Throughout, emphasis is on the essence of scientific "tinkering," experimenting for the pure fun of it...activities that lead to satisfying hobbies, new ideas, and learning. Edison himself would surely enjoy this book--so imagine that you are visiting his laboratory, and let this be your introduction to a world of discovery...

Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives: An All-American Road Trip...with Recipes! By Guy Fieri & Ann Volkwein / William Morrow

James Garfield: The Preacher President By William Thayer / A Beka Book This biography will give students a detailed look at the life of President James Garfield. From a poor canal boy to President of the United States, Garfield exemplified the character that makes a great leader. Learn how Garfield stood up for righteousness through his godly life. Part of the "Sons of Liberty" series. This is an A Beka Book Reading/Book report book for grades 7-12. 264 pages.

Who Was Ulysses S. Grant? By Megan Stine, Nancy Harrison(Illustrator) & Mark Edward Geyer(Illustrator) / Grosset & Dunlap

Rutherford B Hayes: 1877-1881 The American Presidents By Hans Trefousse / Henry Holt and Co. The disputed election of 1876 between Rutherford B. Hayes and Samuel Tilden, in which Congress set up a special electoral commission, handling the disputed electoral votes to Hayes, brings recent events into sharp focus. Historian Hans L. Trefousse explores Hayes's new relevance and reconsiders what many have seen as the pitfalls of his presidency. While Hayes did officially terminate the Reconstruction, Trefousse points out that this process was already well under way by the start of his term and there was little he could do to stop it. A great intellectual and one of our best-educated presidents, Hayes did much more in the way of healing the nation and elevating the presidency.

Who Was Annie Oakley? By Stephanie Spinner & Larry Day / Grosset & Dunlap Annie Oakley was a sharpshooting, horesback-riding symbol of the Wild West. Annie was an elegant little lady who was courted by European aristocracy and admired by queens. She was a determined and brilliant performer who dazzled the world over. Find out more about the real Annie Oakley in this fun and exciting illustrated biography.

The Ultimate Roy Rogers Collection (Seven DVD Set) By BMG Acknowledged as the king of the cowboys, Roy Rogers has entertained audiences of all ages for over fifty years. This DVD collection is packed with great action, comedy, adventure, and romance; a must for all Roy Rogers fans! This collection includes 28 episodes on 7 DVDs:Disc 1: The Old Corral - Billy the Kid Returns - Under Western Stars - Days of Jesse James Disc 2: In Old Cheyenne - Idaho - King of the Cowboys - Silver Spurs Disc 3: Song of Texas - Cowboy and Senorita - Lights of Old Santa Fe - Bells of RosaritaDisc 4: Heldorado - Home in Oklahoma - My Pal Trigger - Roll on Texas Moon Disc 5: Song of Arizona - Under Nevada Skies - Apache Rose - The Bells of San AngeloDisc 6: On the Old Spanish Trail - Springtime in the Sierras - Eyes of Texas - The Far FrontierDisc 7: The Gay Ranchero - Grand Canyon Trail - Night Time in Nevada - Under California Stars

Memoirs of General William T. Sherman By William T. Sherman, Michael Fellman / Penguin Putnam Inc. Before his spectacular career as commanding general of the Union forces of the West, William Tecumseh Sherman experienced decades of frustration and failure. He participated in many of the critical events of early-nineteenth-century America: the protracted war against the Indians, the California gold rush, the banking panics, the political turmoil, and the elusive search for fame and fortune. Sherman's place in American history was still in doubt during the first stages of the Civil War, when he reluctantly led a Union brigade to humiliating defeat at Bull Run. It was not until his major role at the Battle of Shiloh that he began to assert his brilliance as a military commander. After his capture of Atlanta in 1864, which secured Abraham Lincoln's reelection, Sherman launched the infamous March to the Sea. Combining a ruthless scorched-earth strategy with shrewd psychological and propaganda, Sherman forever changed the nature of American warfare.

50 States: Mississippi

MISSISSIPPI

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Achieving statehood on December 10, 1817, and becoming our nation's 20th state, Mississippi lies in the southern United States.  In 1540, Spanish explorer, Hernando de Soto, discovered the Mississippi River.  He was buried in it in 1542 after he died of fever.

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More than 100 years later, French explorers Marquette and Joliet explored more of the Mississippi River.  In 1682, La Salle and Cavalier traveled along the Mississippi River and claimed all the land along it for France.  The first colony was established in 1699.  The French controlled the area until the French and Indian War when it was won by the British.

When the British were defeated in the Revolutionary War, the southern part of Mississippi was given to Spain, and the northern half became part of the United States.  The U.S. laid claim to the southern half after the Louisiana Purchase, claiming that the land was a part of the deal.  With U.S. military force and little resistance by Spain, this area became part of the Mississippi Territory.

Mississippi, postal abbreviation MS, is the 32nd biggest state.  The capital city is Jackson and is named after Major General Andrew Jackson who would come to be the seventh president of the United States, serving from 1829 to 1837.

Mississippi's two nicknames are "The Magnolia State" and "The Hospitality State."  The former is the official nickname and is because the Magnolia is the state flower and the state tree.  The Magnolia is depicted on the Mississippi quarter.

The state bird is the Mockingbird, and the state mammal is the white-tailed deer.  The bottlenosed dolphin is the state water mammal.  The honeybee is the state insect, while the state butterfly is the spicebush swallowtail.  The fish is the largemouth bass, and the state shell is the oyster.  

Mississippi's state flag was adopted in 1894 and contains a small Confederate flag in the upper left corner and one blue, one red, and one white horizontal stripe.

People who live in Mississippi are called Mississippians.  Famous people born in Mississippi include boxer/minister Henry Armstrong; radio/television personality Red Barber; mayor of Washington, D.C., Marion Barry, Jr.; civil rights activists Ruby Bridges and Medgar Evers, singers Jimmy Buffett and Brandy and Bo Diddley; football coach Tony Dungy; authors William Faulkner and Shelby Foote; creator of The Muppets Jim Henson; founder of BET Robert Johnson; Elvis Presley; Leann Rimes; Ike Turner; Conway Twitty; and Oprah Winfrey.  There have been many authors, sports stars, civil rights activists, and musicians/singers born in Mississippi.

The world's first lung transplant was performed at the University of Mississippi.  The observance of Memorial Day resulted from the kindness of women in Mississippi who, on April 25, 1866, placed flowers on the graves of both Union and Confederate soldiers.  This state is the home to the International Checkers Hall of Fame.

Mississippi boasts some "Capitals of the World":

Greenwood is called the "Cotton Capital of the World."

Belzoni is "Catfish Capital of the World."

Vardaman is "Sweet Potato Capital of the World."

Root beer was invented in Biloxi in the late 19th century.  Pine Sol was invented in Jackson.  There is a cactus plantation in Edwards; it is the only one in the world.  Holmes County is home to the very first 4-H Club; it began in 1907.  It is said that the Mississippi Delta is the birthplace of the Blues.

There are many things to do in Mississippi.  Like every state, there are zoos, museums, amusement parks, and state parks.  There are also military parks.  Mississippi lost more men in the Civil War than any other southern state.  Sixteen separate sites are national parks.  The antebellum life is represented by numerous plantations.  Rowan Oak is William Faulkner's House and can be toured.  Dockery Plantation is a cotton plantation and sawmill. It is said that the Blues began here.

Try your hand at some Mississippi learning games.

The following items are for sale through Christianbook.com.  

Mississippi Pocket Guide, Grades 3-8 By Carole Marsh / Gallopade International The perfect reference guide. This handy 4" x 6", easy-to-use guide is divided into seven color-coded sections which include: basics, history, geography, people, places, nature, and more! Riddles, recipes, and surprising facts make this guide a delight! Available for all 50 states! Grades 3-8; ages 8-14.

Historic Churches of Mississippi By Sherry Pace / University Press of Mississippi

It Happened in Mississippi By Marlo Carter Kirkpatrick / Globe Pequot

My Vicksburg By Ann Rinaldi / Harcourt Children's Books Claire Louise and her family are forced to leave their home in Mississippi when the Yankees lay siege in their town during the Civil War. The inhabitants of Vicksburg, Mississippi, take refuge in caves for forty-seven days. When Claire's older brother, Landon, a doctor in the Union Army, shows up with a Confederate soldier, Claire knows that there's more to this story than what she is being told. With war comes difficult choices . . . will Claire make a decision where she can live with its consequences?

Mark Twain: Life on the Mississippi By Mark Twain / Library of America

The Storm: Students of Biloxi, Mississippi, Remember Hurricane Katrina By Barbara Barbieri McGrath / Charlesbridge Publishing On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated the coastlines of Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. It was a storm the people of Biloxi, Mississippi, like many other Gulf Coast residents, will never forget. Students, teachers, and administrators from the Biloxi Public Schools share their stories from the days preceding Hurricane Katrina to those first days of recovery after the storm. And even while their city lay in ruins, one remarkable lighthouse survived, serving as a beacon of hope. Their powerful images and moving personal accounts pay tribute to the resilience of the human spirit. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of each book will be donated to the Biloxi Public Schools.

The Civil War, a Narrative, Vol. 1 By Shelby Foote / Random House, Inc Twenty years ago, in 1954, novelist Shelby Foote began this monumental work with these words: "It was a Monday in Washington, January 21; Jefferson Davis rose from his seat in the Senate..." In the third -- and last -- volume of this vivid history, he brings to a close the story of four years of turmoil and strife which altered American life forever. Here, told in vivid narrative and as seen from both sides, are those climactic struggles, great and small, on and off the field of battle, which finally decided the fate of this nation. "Red River to Appomattox" opens with the beginning of the two final, major confrontations of the war: Grant against Lee in Virginia, and Sherman pressing Johnston in North Georgia. While the Virginia-Georgia fighting is in progress, Kearsarge sinks the Alabama and Forrest gains new laurels at Brice's Crossroads. With Grant and Lee deadlocked at Petersburg, Sherman takes Atlanta -- assuring Lincoln's reelection, together with the certainty that the war will be fought (not negotiated) to a finish. These events are followed by Hood's bold northward strike through middle Tennessee while Sherman sets out on his march to the sea, to be opposed at its end by the ghost of the Army of Tennessee. Hood is wrecked by Thomas in front of Nashville-the last big battle -- and Savannah falls to Sherman, who presents it to Lincoln as a Christmas gift. Meantime, Early has threatened Washington, Price has toured Missouri, Farragut has damned the torpedoes in Mobile Bay, Forrest has raided Memphis, and Cushing has single-handedly sunk the Albemarle. And Sherman heads north through the Carolinas, burning Columbia en route, while Sheridan rips the entrails out of the Shenandoah Valley. Lincoln's second inaugural sets the seal on these hostilities, invoking "charity for all" on the Eve of Five Forks and the Grant-Lee race for Appomattox. Here is the dust and stench of war, a sort of Twilight of the Gods, with occasional lurid flare-ups, mass desertions, and the queasiness that accompanies the risk of being the last man to die. Then, penultimately. Lee at Appomattox, the one really shining figure in this last act.Davis's flight south from fallen Richmond overlaps Lincoln's death from Booth's derringer, and his capture at Irwinville comes amid the surrender of the last Confederate armies, east and west of the Mississippi River. The epilogue is Lincoln in his grave: and Davis in his posthumous existence. "Lucifer in Starlight." So ends a unique achievement -- already recognized as one of the finest histories ever fashioned by an American -- a narrative of over a million and a half words which recreates on a vast and brilliant canvas the events and personalities of an American epic: The Civil War.

Battlefields of the Civil War By Peter Cozzens / Sterling Publishing Co., Inc.

Behind the Blue and the Gray: The Solider's Life in the Civil War By Delia Ray / Puffin Books Telling the story of the "common soldier", Behind the Blue and Gray tells the stories of the men who fought and died behind the walls of smoke and battlefield commotion. Comprised of actual letters, photographs, and essays on the Civil War, this personalized view of the war is touching and a good reminder of the sacrifices made throughout history. 102 pages, softcover.

The Atlas of the Civil War By Edited by James M. McPherson / Running Press Follow the drama of the war that changed America with this unparalleled reference. Major campaigns and skirmishes from Fort Sumter to Appomattox are plotted on 200 full-color maps. Dynamic reconstructions depict every confrontation on land, river, and ocean. Timelines provide play-by-play commentary of battlefield action. Filled with photographs, illustrations, and gripping eyewitness accounts. 223 pages, 9" x 12" hardcover from Courage.

Battles of the Civil War Wall Map (in a Tube) By National Geographic Maps Created originally as a supplement to the April 2005 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC magazine, Battles of the Civil War is rich with detail, showing battle sites with numerous call-outs describing specific battles as well as dates and battle routes. Insets highlight ''Turning Points of the War,'' ''Battle for the Capitols,'' as well as battle death tolls. 36 x 23 inches (approx).

Great Writers: William Faulkner By Kultur International Films

I Believe: The Gospel Masters, 4 CD Set By Elvis Presley / RCA Records Label Worship the King of heaven with the king of rock 'n' roll! This definitive gospel collection features over 65 favorites from Elvis, including "I Believe"; "Take My Hand, Precious Lord"; "Joshua Fit the Battle"; "How Great Thou Art"; "Down by the Riverside/When the Saints Go Marching In"; "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot"; "Bosom of Abraham"; and "Oh, How I Love Jesus." Four CDs.

Christmas Duets CD By Elvis Presley / Provident Music Distribution Celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace with the king of rock and roll and some of today's most popular country stars! Martina McBride, Anne Murray, Jessica Simpson, Sara Evans, LeeAnn Rimes, and others join Elvis in heartwarming duets of "Blue Christmas," "Silver Bells," "Silent Night," "O Little Town of Bethlehem," "O Come All Ye Faithful," and more.

The Gospel Side of Elvis - eBook By Joel Moscheo / Center Street Gospel music was a significant part of not only who Elvis was as a man, but as an artist as well. This book looks at his roots and the role of gospel in his foundational years, as well as the comfort, solace, and strength it offered him in the years of his meteoric rise in popularity. From the All-Night sings he attended in his youth to the gospel quartets he incorporated into his shows, Elvis insisted on having constant access to the music he loved. He found it to be a source of comfort when the demands of his career were too much. He used it as a way to stay in shape vocally or to pass the time while on movie sets. He gathered friends, family, and admirers in his suite after shows to unwind during which Gospel was the music of choice. It was enrichment, it was comfort, it was home for him.