1. On January 7, 1969, the Mississippi River crested at a record-breaking 48.7 feet, causing devastating floods in the surrounding areas.

2. Mississippi native and civil rights activist Medgar Evers was born on January 7, 1925. Evers worked to end segregation and promote voting rights for African Americans in the state, and was tragically assassinated in his own driveway on June 12, 1963.

3. On January 7, 1815, the Battle of New Orleans—famous for its colorful commander, Andrew Jackson—was fought between American forces and a British army during the War of 1812. The American victory marked the end of the war and established Jackson as a national hero.

4. Mississippi blues legend Robert Johnson was born on January 7, 1911, in Hazlehurst, Mississippi. Johnson's innovative guitar playing and soulful vocals made him an influential figure in the development of blues and rock music.

5. On January 7, 1998, the Mississippi School of the Arts was established in Brookhaven, Mississippi. The school—whose alumni include actors, musicians, and visual artists—offers specialized arts education to talented students from all over the state.