Gulfport in Harrison County, Mississippi — The American South (East South Central)
1863 East Pascagoula Raid
Photographed by Mark Hilton, March 22, 2017
1. 1863 East Pascagoula Raid Marker
Emerging Civil War website entry:
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The Louisiana Native Guards, composed largely of former slaves and free men of color from Louisiana, were organized by Union Maj. Gen. Benjamin Butler in 1862. On April 9, 1863, 180 men from companies B and G of the 2nd Regiment, landed at Pascagoula and held the city for several hours against more than 300 Confederate troops. At 2 p.m. the Federals withdrew, returning to Ship Island. This raid is the first involving African American troops in the Gulf Region.
Erected 2010 by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • War, US Civil • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Mississippi State Historical Marker Program series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 9, 1863.
Location. 30° 21.904′ N, 89° 5.38′ W. Marker is in Gulfport, Mississippi, in Harrison County. It is on Jones Park Drive 0.2 miles east of 25th Avenue, on the right when traveling east. Located next to the Gulfport Harbor Light at Jones Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Jones Park Drive, Gulfport MS 39501, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, and on the Gulf Coast. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Ship Island (here, next to this marker); First Baptist Church, Gulfport
this page online
Photographed by Mark Hilton, March 22, 2017
2. 1863 East Pascagoula Raid Marker at the Gulfport Harbor Light.
This lighthouse was designed as a replica of the Ship Island Lighthouse. The tower straddles the entrance to the city's new marina. Construction of the lighthouse was part of the city's redevelopment of the harbor area following its destruction by Hurricane Katrina. The light replaces a former skeletal tower.
Photographed by Mark Hilton, March 22, 2017
3. Easterly view of marker towards rebuilt marina.
Public Domain PD-US
4. Officers of Company C of the 1st Louisiana Native Guard at Fort Macomb, Louisiana.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 3, 2022. It was originally submitted on March 23, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 967 times since then and 68 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 23, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
