Need to know how to pronounce Shuqualak,* or what the origins of comeback dressing are? Ask the MLC Reference Department. From 8-5, Monday-Friday, our professional research team is available to answer your burning questions about all things Mississippi — and we love a challenge. For example, did you know the following?

• The only two nuclear bombs detonated east of the Mississippi were near Hattiesburg in an underground salt dome.
• The rarest bird in North America is the Mississippi Sandhill Crane. Once down to 30-35 birds, their population has grown to about 110. There is a Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge in between Gautier and Vancleave.
• Marion County resident and mail carrier Willie Rankin (1890-1943) was the largest rural mail carrier in the country. He weighed over 460 pounds and extra springs and adjustments to the steering wheel and front seat were required on his cars (History of Marion County, 1976).

To ask a question of your own, contact the Reference Department here:
By phone: 1-877-KWIK REF (1-877-594-5733)
By email: mlcref@mlc.lib.ms.us
By text: 601-208-0868
By chat:

Ask a Librarian

* Inexplicably, it’s “sugar lock.”