1. On October 24, 1946, the University of Southern Mississippi was established as Mississippi Southern College. It later became a university and is now known as the University of Southern Mississippi.

2. On October 24, 1998, Hurricane Georges made landfall in Mississippi, causing significant damage and leaving thousands without power for days.

3. Civil rights activist and congressman John Lewis spoke at Jackson State University on October 24, 2019, inspiring students to continue fighting for social justice.

4. On October 24, 1918, a train collision occurred near Philadelphia, Mississippi, killing 107 people and injuring 171 others. It remains one of the deadliest train accidents in U.S. history.

5. Mississippi blues musician Son Thomas was born on October 24, 1926. He was known for his unique slide guitar playing style and recorded several albums over his career.