1699 Historical Society

Weekend of Discovery, April 26-27 in Ocean Springs, MS

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About 1699

In 1971...

. . . a group of dedicated citizens formed the 1699 Historical Committee to bring attention to and preserve Ocean Springs' role in the early history of the French territory. In addition to preserving and promoting the heritage of the region, the Committee promised to build a replica of Fort Maurepas on Front Beach. Completed in the early 80's, the Fort was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Today, the site is home to the current Fort Maurepas Park that is enjoyed by thousands year round in Ocean Springs, Mississippi.

In 2009, the 1699 Historical Committee underwent a major structural reorganization designed to reflect the broad scope of its mission - to preserve and celebrate the unique culture and history of Ocean Springs and the surrounding Gulf Coast. This is an exciting time, and everyone is invited to join and become a part of the celebration!

The purpose of the 1699 Historical Society (formerly Committee) is to preserve and celebrate the unique culture and history of Ocean Springs and the surrounding Gulf Coast. Every April, the Society stages a dramatic and colorful reenactment of the historic landing of Monsieur d’Iberville and his party on our shores.

Please join us in celebrating our heritage during the reenactment of the Landing of d’Iberville and for activities throughout the year. The scheduled events are listed below.

Past Portrayers of d'Iberville

History

Pierre LeMoyne Sieur d’Iberville

Commissioned by his royal majesty King Louis XIV of France, explorer Pierre LeMoyne Sieur d’Iberville sailed into Biloxi Bay in April of 1699. Monsieur d’Iberville and his expedition party reconnoitered the shores of the upper Gulf of Mexico and located Ship Island before identifying a high, defendable bluff located in present-day Ocean Springs, Mississippi. . .

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