Gulfport in Harrison County, Mississippi — The American South (East South Central)

Centennial Plaza

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, March 9, 2024

1. Centennial Plaza Marker

Inscription. In 1917, this site was designated for the state's centennial celebration. Known as the “Mississippi Centennial Exposition,” the celebration never occurred due to the onset of World War I. The property was converted to a naval training station and in 1923 became the Veterans Administration Hospital for Gulfport. In 2005, when damage from Hurricane Katrina forced the closure of the hospital, the property was transferred to the City of Gulfport and in 2017 was the site of Mississippi's bicentennial celebration on the Gulf Coast.

Erected 2018 by Mississippi Department of Archives and History.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Places. In addition, it is included in the Mississippi State Historical Marker Program, and the National Register of Historic Places series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1917.

Location. 30° 22.652′ N, 89° 3.13′ W. Marker is in Gulfport, Mississippi, in Harrison County. Marker is on an unnamed entrance road north of East Beach Boulevard (U.S. 90), in the median. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 200 E Beach Blvd, Gulfport MS 39507, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Memorialization of Jefferson Davis (approx. half a mile away); Mississippi City Courthouse

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(approx. half a mile away); St. Mark's Episcopal Church (approx. ¾ mile away); Grass Lawn (approx. ¾ mile away); Mississippi City Cemetery (approx. 0.9 miles away); Mississippi City Colored School (approx. 1.3 miles away); Gulfport Civil Rights Wade-In (approx. 1.7 miles away); Riley Chapel UMC (approx. 1.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gulfport.

Also see . . .
1. Our History. The 92 acres, offering a beachfront view from the shade of hundreds of beautiful Live Oaks, were thought to be the ideal site to celebrate Mississippi’s 100th birthday in 1917. (Centennial Plaza resort) (Submitted on March 15, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

2. The Mississippi Centennial Story. More than 5,000 people watched workers demolish the old F.S. Hewes house on October 13, 1916, breaking ground on the centennial site. (Historical Society of Gulfport) (Submitted on March 15, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

3. Gulfport Veterans Administration Medical Center Historic District (PDF).

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, March 9, 2024

2. Centennial Plaza Marker

National Register of Historic Places nomination for the district, which was listed in 2014. (Prepared by Donna Klee; via National Park Service) (Submitted on March 15, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Main Medical Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, March 9, 2024

3. Main Medical Building

The U.S. Veterans Bureau (precursor to the Veterans Administration) constructed this Spanish Colonial Revival/Mission style building in 1923. It is now a hotel.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, March 9, 2024

4. Chapel

It was constructed in 1931 to serve patients, visitors and employees of the veterans hospital. It is now used as an event venue.

Administration Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, March 9, 2024

5. Administration Building

Constructed in 1931, it housed the administrative offices of the veterans hospital.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 15, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 15, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 35 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on March 15, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.