1. Mississippi Becomes a State - July 14, 1817 was an important day in Mississippi history, marking the state's admission to the Union as the 20th state. It was the culmination of a long struggle that began during the early days of the American Revolution and involved political maneuvering, economic pressure, and even military coercion.

2. Landmark Civil Rights Decision - On July 14, 1964, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, sitting in New Orleans, ruled that Mississippi's system of voter registration was unconstitutional. The decision, in the case of United States v. Mississippi, was a landmark moment in the civil rights movement, and led to the eventual passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

3. Hurricane Hits the Gulf Coast - In 1987, Hurricane Emily hit the Mississippi Gulf Coast. While the storm itself was relatively minor, with winds topping out at around 80 mph, it caused widespread flooding and damage to homes and businesses in the area.

4. Elvis Presley's First Professional Recording - On July 14, 1954, a young Elvis Presley recorded his first professional single, "That's All Right" at Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee. Though not technically a Mississippi event, his Mississippi roots are well-known, and the recording marked the beginning of his meteoric rise to fame.

5. The Birth of Jerry Clower - On July 14, 1926, iconic Mississippi comedian Jerry Clower was born in Liberty, Mississippi. Known for his down-home humor and storytelling, Clower built a career that spanned decades and included numerous albums, television appearances, and live shows. He passed away in 1998, but his legacy lives on in the hearts of Mississippians and fans around the world.