FRENCH COLONIAL ROSE GARDEN

Moran Site Memorial Garden

110 Porter Ave. Biloxi

The Moran Site is a French cemetery which dates to the founding of Biloxi. It was established between 1720 to 1722 and is among the oldest, most significant French colonial sites in the United States. During this era, Biloxi served as a staging ground for the thousands of European immigrants brought over to work the inland concessions. Human remains near the site were first uncovered in 1914, and since then stories abounded as to the identity of the skeletons, with some speculating they were pirates or lost slaves. However, it would be over half a century before the archaeological investigation took place determining that the physical features of the skeletal material suggested they were European, and the grave goods found with them dated to the 18th century. Undoubtedly, the remains were those of settlers in France’s colony of “Nouveau Bilocxy.”

In February 2012, the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources purchased the Moran Site, nearly an acre of land to preserve a time in history, long forgotten. The remains recovered during the two excavations were reinterred as part of a ceremony celebration commemorating Mississippi's French Heritage. The garden includes a historical marker and interpretive signage that describes the site’s history and the archaeological findings.

The ‘Moran Site,’ a memorial garden providing a place of beauty and peace representing a sign of hope, empathy, and understanding to the remains of French descendants.

The Moran Site is a treasured site for visitors to enjoy nature in the heart of Biloxi. The French inspired garden bolsters the historical and ecological landscape of the site. The angel adorning the center represents unconditional love in the face of adversity for those seeking peace and a new life.