1. On May 11, 1846, Mississippi Senator Jefferson Davis introduced a bill in the United States Senate proposing the construction of a transcontinental railroad. This would become known as the Pacific Railroad Bill and would pave the way for the first transcontinental railroad to be built in 1869.

2. In 1943, the deadly tornado outbreak known as the "Memphis Outbreak" occurred across the southeastern United States, including in Mississippi. The outbreak killed over 200 people and caused extensive damage across multiple states.

3. On May 11, 1858, the first edition of the Jackson Daily News was published in Mississippi. The newspaper would go on to become the state's largest and most influential daily newspaper, covering local, national, and international news.

4. In 2013, Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant signed into law the "Mississippi Religious Freedom Restoration Act," a controversial piece of legislation that many critics argued was a license to discriminate against LGBTQ individuals. The law faced significant backlash and was ultimately struck down by a federal court.

5. On May 11, 1912, the famous blues musician and guitarist Bukka White was born in Houston, Mississippi. White would go on to become a highly influential figure in the blues genre, known for his soulful vocals and distinctive guitar style. He recorded several hit songs throughout his career and remains a beloved figure in Mississippi music history.