D'Iberville in Harrison County, Mississippi — The American South (East South Central)

Santa Cruz Landing

Photographed By Mark Hilton, August 23, 2018

1. Santa Cruz Landing Marker

Inscription. In February 1699, men exploring the Bay under Captain Pierre LeMoyne's command, found no settlements. In the 1720s, one of three colonial brickyards were developed near this site. Dominic Ladner gained title to this section (22) from the Spanish, which was confirmed. by the U. S. in 1802. A portion was sold to Joseph Moran in 1832. After establishing his home he erected a small wharf, a cabin, and a warehouse near the channel. He hired Jose' Santa Cruz to manage it all. Local industries increased the size of the settlement. A Bay ferry dock was added to the wharf.

In 1848, Moran sold the property to Jose' for $170. The waterfront operations and home were enlarged. At least three wagon roads terminated here, creating a social-mercantile center with mail service. Weekend dances and social gatherings drew locals. Young and old danced to fiddles and guitars.

The 1893 hurricane and the opening of the D'Iberville Bridge in 190 redirected economic growth a half mile eastward Only the old home remained in the early 1900s Randolph and Ida Santa Cruz were the last to reside here. Only a few house-foundation bricks beneath live-oaks are visible today.

Erected 2017 by the D'Iberville Historical Society, City of D'Iberville and Dale Greenwell.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in

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these topic lists: Exploration • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1699.

Location. 30° 25.553′ N, 88° 53.895′ W. Marker is in D'Iberville, Mississippi, in Harrison County. Marker is at the intersection of Santa Cruz Avenue and Bay Shore Drive, on the right when traveling south on Santa Cruz Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Santa Cruz Avenue, Diberville MS 39540, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Harvey's Hill (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Old Brickyard (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Quave Commercial Strip (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Five Trails (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Land and Legend of the Cross (approx. half a mile away); The Crossing (approx. half a mile away); Fort Maurepas and Old Biloxi (approx. half a mile away); D'Iberville High School Original Site (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in D'Iberville.

Santa Cruz Landing Marker with Back Bay in left background. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, August 23, 2018

2. Santa Cruz Landing Marker with Back Bay in left background.

View of marker, looking east at the D'Iberville bridge over the Back Bay. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, August 23, 2018

3. View of marker, looking east at the D'Iberville bridge over the Back Bay.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 24, 2018. It was originally submitted on August 24, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 270 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 24, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.