Page 102 - South Mississippi Living - October, 2025

A HISTORIC
TREASURE
story by Lynn Lofton
TROVE
Barrier Islands
Gulf & Ship Island Railroad
Among the many things we love about the Coast are the places, events, and people that make it a historic treasure trove. The many cultures and ethnic groups have created a rich, cosmopolitan tapestry.
Native tribes were here to welcome French explorers Bienville and D’Iberville, the first Europeans who landed in the area. Those first peoples left their mark in names of towns and rivers such as Biloxi, Pascagoula, and Tchoutacabouffa. Likewise for the first settlers who lent their names to towns including Bay St. Louis, Saucier, Gautier, and D’Iberville.
The barrier islands, now part of Gulf Islands National Seashore, stretch across the coastline. They have played an important role in the ecology, history and recreation of the Coast. In January 1971 Ship, Horn, Petit Bois, and West Petit Bois islands were designated public lands to be maintained by the National Park Service. Last year 7.8 million people visited these islands.
Starting on the Coast’s western end in Hancock County, the area has a distinctive French influence following the explorer La Salle who claimed Louisiana in the name of King Louis XIV. The pirate Jean Lafitte is said to have visited the area prompting Bay St. Louis residents to hold an annual Pirate’s Day in the Bay.
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102 | October 2025 2 | December 2020