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 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.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Colonial Era • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1914.

Location. 30° 23.719′ N,

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88° 54.101′ W. Marker is in Biloxi, Mississippi, in Harrison County. It can be reached from Porter Avenue near Beach Boulevard (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.

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: Moran Site (here, next to this marker); French Colonial Memorial Garden (a few steps from this marker); Archaeological Findings (a few steps from this marker); The Memorial Garden (a few steps from this marker); "Moon Tree" (within shouting

Another Moran Site marker and this one viewable just below the lighthouse in the garden. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, March 22, 2017

2. Another Moran Site marker and this one viewable just below the lighthouse in the garden.

distance of this marker); Pierre LeMoyne Sieur d'Iberville (within shouting distance of this marker); Essence of Biloxi (within shouting distance of this marker); High Water Mark (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Biloxi.

View of former cemetery and French Colonial memorial statue. image. Click for full size.

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.

Map of original settlement of Nouveau Bilocxy (Biloxi) with marked location of Moran Site image. Click for full size.

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.

Illustration of Nouveau Bilocxy settlement. image. Click for full size.

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 1,080 times since then and 49 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on March 25, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.