Boys state was originated by the Illinois department of the American Legion in 1934.

The plan was adopted by the National Organization in 1945 and has since been put into operation in 49 states. Although Hawaii does not operate a program, it does send delegates to attend the program of other states. American Legion Posts in the Panama Canal Zone, the District of Columbia and Mexico have, in the past, sent delegates to Boys State in Mississippi. The American Legion Department of Mississippi incorporated Magnolia Boys State on May 2, 1939 and the first session was held in Jackson, June 11-17, 1939, and every year thereafter, except for 1943, 1945, 1949 and 1970.

In 1955, the name was changed from Magnolia Boys State, Inc. to The American Legion Boys State, Inc. Since the inception of Boys State in Mississippi, over 17,000 delegates have attended these sessions. Those chosen to attend have just completed their junior year of high school and possess qualities of honor, character, courage, leadership, service and discipline. Each local American Legion Post is assigned a quota by the Department Headquarters and where this quota is more than one, the Post usually offers the opportunity of sponsorship to civic clubs, churches, schools, Boys State alumni, civic leaders, businesses and other responsible organizations. On occasion, when a young man is deserving but a sponsor can not be located, he may be sponsored by his own family through his local American Legion Post or State Department. The cost to sponsor a delegate to Boys State is $150.00.

The American Legion Boys State program in Mississippi is recognized as one of the most outstanding and successful Boys State programs in existence. Mississippi's Boys State is known for its leadership development and motivation, its dynamic and energetic young staff, and for the exceptional support the program receives from Legionaries from across the state. Our Boys State was the first program in the nation to include a "College and Military Service Information Day" where representatives from every state college, university, various branches of the military and cadets from the U.S. Military Academies actually come to Mississippi Boys State to speak to the young men about post-high school plans. It is not uncommon for delegates to actually discover scholarship opportunities while at Boys State.

Every year, the finest young men Mississippi has to offer attend American Legion Boys State. Through Boys State, these young men have the opportunity to meet, work and form lifelong friendships with other young leaders from outside their own communities. Delegates not only leave Boys State with a wealth of knowledge and understanding of how government works, they are encouraged to use this knowledge to take on leadership roles in their community, state and nation. They are encouraged to get involved and to make a difference.