About Ship Island

East Ship Island was heavily damaged during Hurricane Katrina and much of the island remains under water. Click Here to see images before and after the hurricane. Also learn more about the Native Guard (Black Troops) from a special feature by poet Natasha Tretheway on SouthernSpaces.com and PBS.org

On August 29, 2005 Hurricane Katrina's 30-foot tidal surge covered West Ship Island and destroyed all visitor facilities. Fort Massachusetts incurred minimal damage and is now open to the public. The island pier and boardwalk have been rebuilt. Visitors can still enjoy high quality beaches, play in Gulf surf and tour Fort Massachusetts. Be prepared for extreme summer heat and humidity. Restrooms, refreshments, and water are available on board the Ship Island ferries. Temporary island restrooms and a small concession trailer are currently available.

Ferry passengers are allowed a small amount of carry on items, but visitors must pack out whatever they bring to the island, including litter. A one-third mile walk is required to reach the more popular Gulf of Mexico beach on the south side of island. Large ice chests, wagons, bulky items, and glass containers are prohibited. Sorry no pets. If you have questions or need additional information please call 228-864-1014.

In 1969, Hurricane Camille's 200 mile per hour winds and 30 foot tide cut the delicate island in two, creating East and West Ship Islands. Nearly five miles long, West Ship Island is an arc of white sandy beach, where the Mississippi Sound meets the clear, green waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Ship Island is a favorite getaway for both the nature lover and the history buff. Part of Gulf Islands National Seashore and protected by the National Park Service, the unspoiled island is home to an interesting variety of plants and wildlife, including many species of migratory birds. Warm tidal pools and wind shaped sand dunes crowned with sea oats help the island retain much of its natural beauty.

Enjoy swimming and body surfing on the island.

The finest beaches on the Mississippi Gulf Coast are located on Ship Island. Tranquil stretches of barrier island shore invite you to explore, picnic, or hike. Pristine gulf waters surrounding Ship Island attract swimmers and body surfers. The National Park Service provides a designated swim beach. Emergency assistance is available.

Ship Island has played an important role in the history and settlement of the Gulf Coast. The island was named in 1699 by French explorers who were impressed with the protected, deep-water anchorage it offered their ships. The island soon became an important port for French Louisiana. Many colonists took their first steps on American soil at Ship Island and it is considered the "Plymouth Rock" of the Gulf Coast.

National Park Service Tours are available.

During the war of 1812, 60 British ships, with nearly 10,000 troops, rendezvoused near the island prior to their unsuccessful attempt to capture New Orleans. In 1862 Ship Island served as the base from which Admiral David Farragut's Union fleet sailed to attack and capture the ports New Orleans and Mobile.

The Island also became a prison for Confederate P.O.W.'s, and a base for the U.S. Second Regiment (Louisiana Native Guards), one of the first African
American combat units to fight in the Civil War. The National Park Service provides tours of Fort Massachusetts during March thru October. Learn more about the LA Native Guard (Black Union Troops) from a special feature by poet Natasha Tretheway on SouthernSpaces.com and PBS.org












This image courtesy of C.P. weaver, editor, Thank God My Regiment An African One, LSU Press

For more information about Ship Island or Gulf Islands National Seashore, please call (228) 875-9057 or write to: Mississippi District Superintendent, 3500 Park Road, Ocean Springs, MS 39564