Biloxi in Harrison County, Mississippi — The American South (East South Central)
The Moran Site History
Photographed By Mark Hilton, March 22, 2017
1. The Moran Site History Marker
Inscription.
The Moran Site History. . The Moran Site is a French cemetery dating from ca. 1720-22 and is among the oldest and most significant French colonial sites in the U.S. Human remains near the site were first uncovered in 1914; 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 an archaeological investigation took place; human remains were once again discovered in 1969 during foundation repair to the Moran Art Studio after Hurricane Camille. Local archaeologists under the direction of Dale Greenwell identified twelve burials. 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." The burials were left in place, but the public was able to view some of them through a plexiglass window placed in the floor of the studio.
The Moran Site is a French cemetery dating from ca. 1720-22 and is among the oldest and most significant French colonial sites in the U.S. Human remains near the site were first uncovered in 1914; 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 an archaeological investigation took place; human remains were once again discovered in 1969 during foundation repair to the Moran Art Studio after Hurricane Camille. Local archaeologists under the direction of Dale Greenwell identified twelve burials. 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." The burials were left in place, but the public was able to view some of them through a plexiglass window placed in the floor of the studio.
Location. 30° 23.719′ N, 88° 54.101′ W. Marker is in Biloxi, Mississippi, in Harrison County. Marker can be reached from Porter Avenue near Beach Boulevard
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(Highway 90). Located within the memorial garden area of the Biloxi Visitors Center. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1050 Beach Boulevard, Biloxi MS 39530, United States of America. Touch for directions.
2. Another Moran Site marker and this one viewable just below the lighthouse in the garden.
Photographed By Mark Hilton, March 22, 2017
3. View of former cemetery and French Colonial memorial statue.
The marble statue of a weeping angel was commissioned to memorialize the remains of 32 French servants that were discovered during two excavations after two hurricanes uncovered remains.
Photographed By Mark Hilton, March 22, 2017
4. Map of original settlement of Nouveau Bilocxy (Biloxi) with marked location of Moran Site
Photo taken from marker.
Photographed By Mark Hilton, March 22, 2017
5. Illustration of Nouveau Bilocxy settlement.
Photo taken from marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 25, 2017. It was originally submitted on March 25, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 417 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on March 25, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
