Historical Markers in Harrison County, Mississippi
1863 East Pascagoula Raid
Antioch Missionary Baptist Church
Bear Point Bayou
Beauvoir
Biloxi
Biloxi Beach Wade-In
Biloxi Blues
Biloxi Lighthouse
Birthplace of Barq's
Blues & Jazz in the Pass
Boggsdale
Brielmaier House
Broadcasting the Blues
Cathedral of the Nativity (B.V.M.)
Centennial Plaza
Chris LeDoux
Church of the Redeemer
City of Long Beach Centennial 1905-2005
Civil Rights Wade-Ins
Coast Guard Station Barracks
D'Iberville High School Original Site
Debuys-Hermann-Keller House
DeLisle
Dixie "White House"
Dr. Felix Henry Dunn
Early Bank and Post Office
Early Long Beach
Early Long Beach
Father Ryan House
First Baptist Church Original Site
First Baptist Church, Gulfport
Friendship Oak
Grass Lawn
Gulf Coast College
Gulf Coast Military Academy
Gulf Park College
Gulfport Army Airfield
Gulfport Boogie
Gulfport Civil Rights Wade-In
Handsboro
Handsboro Presbyterian Church
Harvey's Hill
Hurricane Katrina
J.W. Randolph School
Kellier-Sternberg House
Long Beach Presbyterian Church
Long Beach Schools
Mississippi City Cemetery
Mississippi City Colored School
Mississippi City Courthouse
Moran Site
Mt. Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church
Old Brick House
Old Gulfport High School
Old Pass Christian High School
Palmer Creek Campground
Pass Christian
Robinson-Maloney-Dantzler House
Santa Cruz Landing
Saucier-Bidwell-Pratt House
Scenic Drive Historic District
Ship Island
Slavic Benevolent Association
St. Mark's Episcopal Church
St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church
The Crossing
The Five Trails
The Land and Legend of the Cross
The Magnolia Hotel
The Magnolia Route
The Old Brickyard
The Quave Commercial Strip
Tivoli Hotel
Trinity Episcopal Church Live Oak Cemetery
Truck Farming
Tullis-Toledano House
Turkey Creek Community
Turkey Creek Community
United Methodist Church
Vance-Gillis House
War Memorial Park
White House Hotel
William Bartram Trail
Woolmarket
About Harrison County
Harrison County Timeline
Harrison County, Mississippi has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by indigenous Native American tribes, such as the Biloxi and Pascagoula tribes, who thrived off the abundant resources provided by the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
European exploration of the area began in the 16th century, with Spanish explorers claiming the land for Spain. However, French settlers soon established a presence in the region, led by Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville. The French constructed Fort Maurepas near present-day Ocean Springs in 1699, making it the first permanent settlement in the Mississippi territory.
Throughout the 18th and early 19th centuries, the region changed hands multiple times between the French, Spanish, and British, as the European powers jockeyed for control. Finally, in 1812, during the War of 1812, the United States gained control over the Mississippi Gulf Coast and the Harrison County area, following the Battle of Lake Borgne.
In the following years, Harrison County experienced significant growth and development. Biloxi, the county seat, became a popular resort town, attracting visitors from all over the country. The area also became an important hub for the seafood industry, with shrimping and oyster harvesting becoming major economic drivers.
However, the county also faced significant challenges. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated Harrison County and the entire Gulf Coast region, causing widespread destruction and displacing thousands of residents. The area has since rebuilt and recovered, with ongoing efforts to strengthen infrastructure and promote economic growth.
Overall, Harrison County's history is a testament to the resilience and perseverance of its residents, who have overcome numerous challenges to shape the vibrant and diverse community that exists today.
European exploration of the area began in the 16th century, with Spanish explorers claiming the land for Spain. However, French settlers soon established a presence in the region, led by Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville. The French constructed Fort Maurepas near present-day Ocean Springs in 1699, making it the first permanent settlement in the Mississippi territory.
Throughout the 18th and early 19th centuries, the region changed hands multiple times between the French, Spanish, and British, as the European powers jockeyed for control. Finally, in 1812, during the War of 1812, the United States gained control over the Mississippi Gulf Coast and the Harrison County area, following the Battle of Lake Borgne.
In the following years, Harrison County experienced significant growth and development. Biloxi, the county seat, became a popular resort town, attracting visitors from all over the country. The area also became an important hub for the seafood industry, with shrimping and oyster harvesting becoming major economic drivers.
However, the county also faced significant challenges. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated Harrison County and the entire Gulf Coast region, causing widespread destruction and displacing thousands of residents. The area has since rebuilt and recovered, with ongoing efforts to strengthen infrastructure and promote economic growth.
Overall, Harrison County's history is a testament to the resilience and perseverance of its residents, who have overcome numerous challenges to shape the vibrant and diverse community that exists today.
Harrison County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Harrison County, Mississippi.
- 1811: Harrison County is established as one of the original counties in Mississippi.
- 1836: The county seat is established in Mississippi City.
- 1870: Gulfport is incorporated as a town in Harrison County.
- 1898: Long Beach is incorporated as a town in Harrison County.
- 1902: The city of Gulfport is officially incorporated in Harrison County.
- 1914: The world's first underwater vehicular tunnel connects Biloxi and Ocean Springs in Harrison County.
- 1955: Hurricane Camille hits Harrison County, causing widespread destruction and loss of life.
- 1969: Hurricane Camille hits Harrison County, causing widespread destruction and loss of life.
- 1990: The city of Biloxi celebrates its 300th anniversary.
- 2005: Hurricane Katrina devastates Harrison County, causing extensive damage and loss of life.