Jackson County, Mississippi

Bellevue Bertuccini House and Barbershop Bodden, Capt. Willie, House Brash, Anna C., House Building at 707 Krebs Avenue Carter-Callaway House Clinton, Capt. F. L., House Cochran-Cassanova House Colle Company Housing Colle, Capt. Herman H., Sr., House Cudabac-Gantt House Dantzler, A. F., House DeGroote Folk House DeJean House Evergreen Cemetery Ford, Mayor Ebb, House Frentz, George, House Front Street Historic District Gautier Beachfront Historic District Gautier School Gautier, Adam, House Gautier, Eugene, House Gautier, Walter, House Griffin House Hansen-Dickey House Herrick, Lemuel D., House House at 1112 Bowen Avenue House at 1410 Bowen Avenue Hughes, William, House Indian Springs Historic District International Ship Building Company Keys, Thomas Isaac, House Krebs, Agnes V., House Krebs, James, House Krebsville Historic District Krebsville Historic District (Boundary Increase) Levin, Leonard, House Lewis, Col. Alfred E., House Louisville and Nashville Railroad Depot Louisville and Nashville Railroad Depot at Ocean Springs Lover's Lane Historic District Marble Springs Historic District Moss Point Historic District Nelson Tenement Nelson, John C., House O'Keefe-Clark Boarding House Ocean Springs Community Center Old Farmers and Merchants State Bank Old Ocean Springs High School Old Ocean Springs Historic District Old Ocean Springs Historic District (Boundary Increase and Additional Documentation) Old Spanish Fort Olsen, Lena, House Orange Avenue Historic District Orange Avenue Historic District (Boundary Increase) Pascagoula Central Fire Station No. 1 Pascagoula High School, Old Pascagoula Street Railroad and Power Company Round Island Lighthouse Saint John's Episcopal Church Shearwater Historic District St. Mary's By the River Sullivan-Charnley Historic District Tabor, Dr. Joseph A., House Thompson, George, House Vancleave Cottage Westphal, Laura, House

Jackson County, Mississippi, located on the Gulf Coast, has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. The region was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Pascagoula and Biloxi, for thousands of years before the arrival of European settlers. The first European contact came in the early 16th century with Spanish explorers, followed by French and British settlements. However, it was the French who established the first permanent settlement in the area in 1699.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, Jackson County became an important hub for trade and commerce, with agrarian and maritime industries driving its economy. The county was officially established in 1812 and named after President Andrew Jackson. The region's natural resources, including its fertile soil and access to the Gulf of Mexico, made it an ideal location for the cultivation of crops, such as cotton and timber, and for fishing and shipbuilding.

Jackson County played a significant role during the Civil War, with several skirmishes and battles occurring in its vicinity. The county's strategic location made it a target for both Union and Confederate forces, and its economy suffered greatly as a result of the conflict. However, the post-war years brought about a period of reconstruction and recovery, leading to the development of towns and communities across the county.

In the 20th century, Jackson County experienced rapid growth and modernization. The discovery of offshore petroleum reserves in the 1930s brought about the establishment of industries related to oil and gas exploration and production. Shipbuilding also became a major industry, with the construction of naval vessels during World War II and the subsequent development of the modern shipbuilding facility, Ingalls Shipbuilding. Today, Jackson County is a thriving area known for its cultural heritage, outdoor recreational opportunities, and vibrant economy.
Brief timeline of the history of Jackson County, Mississippi:

  • 1699: Jackson County is founded by French explorer Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville.
  • 1810: The Mississippi Territory is created, including what is now Jackson County.
  • 1812: The first courthouse in Jackson County is built in Pascagoula.
  • 1817: Mississippi becomes a state, with Jackson County as one of its first counties.
  • 1861-1865: Jackson County is greatly affected by the American Civil War.
  • 1904: The first railroad is completed in Jackson County, bringing economic growth.
  • 1914: The town of Gautier is incorporated in Jackson County.
  • 1942-1945: Jackson County plays a significant role in supporting World War II efforts.
  • 2005: Hurricane Katrina devastates Jackson County and the entire Gulf Coast region.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Jackson County, Mississippi.