Mississippi: A History

We are especially proud to announce the publication of Mississippi: A History, the first textbook ever published specifically for use in college-level courses in Mississippi history.

In his sweeping coverage of the Mississippi story—from prehistoric times to the present day— Dr. Westley F. Busbee, Jr., deftly combines narrative and topical chapters to address major political, economic, social, and cultural developments. Having taught Mississippi history in college classes for more than thirty years, Dr. Busbee approaches this unflinching account by asking why Mississippi—with its rich natural and human resources—continues to compare unfavorably with other states in such critical areas as per capita income, adult literacy, and public health. “How and why,” he asks, “did all of us who call Mississippi home get where we are? What past mistakes might we hope to correct and what innovative approaches might we take to enhance the future of the state?”

The book seeks answers to these meaningful questions through a careful assimilation of information gleaned from a multitude of secondary and primary sources. It also includes original maps and tables as well as a multitude of photographs, selected sources by chapter, a Selected Bibliography of Mississippi History, a series of appendices, and a full subject index. In sum, this innovative survey provides a great new resource for all instructors of Mississippi history, a common base of information for students pursuing knowledge and meaning in the study of their state’s past, and a comprehensive and engaging read for anyone interested in knowing more about the fascinating history of the Magnolia State.

Westley F. Busbee Jr. , whose Mississippi ancestors predate statehood, was born and raised in Meridian. A graduate of Rhodes College, he earned the M.A. and Ph.D. degrees at the University of Alabama. Since 1968 Dr. Busbee has chaired the Department of History and Political Science and the Division of Humanities at Belhaven College, where he has also taught courses in Mississippi history for more than thirty-five years. Among other professional associations, Dr. Busbee is a member of the Mississippi Historical Society and the Southern Historical Association. He and his wife Carol reside in Rankin County and are the proud parents of three and grandparents of seven.