Page 124 - South Mississippi Living - October, 2023

LIVING HISTORY
Unveiling
the City of
The eclectic city of Ocean Springs, perched scenically on the
Discovery
The Picturesque Town of Ocean Springs Has Historical Secrets
to Share
story by Cherie Ward
photos by Madeline Simpson
and courtesy of City of Ocean Springs
Nestled in the heart of the Gulf Coast is a sun-kissed coastal town with plenty of historical mysteries to unravel.
124 | October 2023
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edge of the beautiful Biloxi Bay, was once inhabited by Indians who hailed the healing powers of the mineral springs but was destined to become a French settlement.
And it’s easy to be transported back in time to witness firsthand how those famed mineral springs near Fort Bayou attracted affluent visitors from New Orleans and Chicago in the 1850s, ultimately laying the groundwork for tourism. Or to learn about the railroad and notable train depot that brought additional people from around the world.
That history comes alive each year with a walking tour of the beloved Evergreen Cemetery set for October 12 at 5:30 p.m.
and October 15 at 2 p.m. This family-friendly event reintroduces some of the city’s old friends and begins at the historical Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center, which dates back almost a century. The extensive hub of arts and culture boasts two art galleries packed with artworks from local creatives and a theater hall to explore before participants catch a shuttle for the bygone days tour.
Affectionately known as the City of Discovery, this quaint