1. On January 11, 1861, Mississippi became the second state to secede from the United States, following South Carolina's lead in December 1860. The state's leaders believed that their right to own slaves was at risk, leading them to join the Confederacy and fighting in the American Civil War.

2. The Mississippi Department of Archives and History was established on January 11, 1902. The department is responsible for preserving and promoting the state's history and culture through collecting and archiving manuscripts, artifacts, and other materials.

3. Civil rights activist, Medgar Evers, was born on January 11, 1925, in Decatur, Mississippi. Evers played a significant role in desegregating public schools and other institutions in the state, leading to his assassination in 1963.

4. On January 11, 1965, two white students, Richard Holmes and Billy Henry, were expelled from the University of Mississippi for promoting racial segregation on campus. This marked a crucial moment in the university's integration efforts, as it demonstrated the administration's commitment to ensuring an inclusive and diverse learning environment.

5. On January 11, 2010, a magnitude 4.4 earthquake struck Mississippi, centered in the city of Collins. The quake caused minor damage and was felt across several neighboring states, including Louisiana, Arkansas, and Tennessee. While earthquakes are relatively rare in Mississippi, they have occurred sporadically throughout its history.