Coastal Mississippi— A Treasure Trove of Natural Beauty, Culture, and Fun Written by Lisa Evans
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oastal Mississippi sometimes lives in the shadow of her neighboring larger cities of New Orleans and Mobile. We are lovingly known as The Secret Coast. More and more people are discovering our mystique, and I'd like to give you a few reasons why. Understand there are multitudes of other places here to enjoy. We have something for everyone! But here is a brief list of why Coastal Mississippi is a place that I love.
Ship Island and Fort Massachusetts Ship Island is one of the six barrier islands found off the coast of Mississippi. It is part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore and is home to the historic Fort Massachusetts. You can reach the island by boat, either the ferry service from the coast or private boat. Fort Massachusetts was built after the War of 1812 and had a prominent role in the Civil War,
surprisingly for both sides. The granite spiral staircases are hauntingly beautiful and take you up to the top of the fort. Here, you can see a vast, intact canon from the bygone era. As for Ship Island itself, it is simply stunning. Visitors swim in the crystal blue warm water of the Gulf of Mexico and sun themselves on a white sand beach. The marine and wildlife you see are delightful, from many water and shorebirds to swimming with the rays, blue crabs, minnows, and perhaps even a small shark. Here is nature's beauty at its nest.
Mississippi Blues Trail—100 Men Hall Mississippi and blues music are intertwined. Coastal Mississippi has several markers along the Mississippi Blues Trail, one of which is 100 Men Hall. It is one of my favorites. History vibrates from the walls of this small, unassuming building— African American history as well as iconic music history. During a bleak time in our history, African Americans were not allowed to congregate with others. 100 Men Hall was their gathering place for meetings, social events, and other signi cant life events. Sadly, black musicians kept to a narrow window of performance opportunities known as 'The Chitlin Circuit,’ and 100 Men Hall became a stop along the way.
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