Ocean Springs in Jackson County, Mississippi — The American South (East South Central)
The Shearwater Historic District
Photographed by Mark Hilton, December 11, 2025
1. The Shearwater Historic District Marker
The Shearwater Historic District consists of a series of bluffs overlooking the Mississippi Sound. The area includes a variety of water-oriented residential architecture, secluded by long drives and dense vegetation. Recent construction respects the integrity of the waterfront sites, providing a visual record of architectural development in Ocean Springs. The area has been continuously occupied since the early 1800s.
The District is significant as the site of Shearwater Pottery, nationally recognized for the works of the Anderson family artisans, including Walter Inglis Anderson (muralist, artist, potter), Peter Anderson (potter), and Mac Anderson (artist). The property was purchased by Mrs. Annette McConnell Anderson in 1918 as an artist's colony. The compound served as the family home, and the site of multiple pottery buildings, remaining in continuous use. Generations of talented artists produce works in the idyllic setting today.
Residential construction in proximity developed mostly between 1937 and 1978. Tree shaded properties facing the sound represent examples of southern farmhouse,
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Local historic districts were designated by the City in 1990. Each of the eight recognized districts captures a unique and important historic contribution to the rich history of the Ocean Springs community. The Shearwater Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Information from Ocean Springs Historic District Design Guidelines
This informational sign is part of a community project led by the Historic Ocean Springs Association, and is made possible by a grant from the Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area.
We thank the City of Ocean Springs for their support of this project.
Erected 2022 by Historic Ocean Springs Association, Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Project, Mississippi Department of Marine Resources. (Marker Number 32.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Architecture. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1918.
Location. 30° 24.302′ N, 88° 49.238′ W.
Photographed by Mark Hilton, December 11, 2025
2. The Shearwater Historic District Marker with Inner Harbor in background.
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: Little Children's Park (approx. half a mile away); Iberville 1661-1706 / 1699 Historical Committee (approx. half a mile away); The Nine Flags of Mississippi (approx. half a mile away); Washington Avenue (approx. half a mile away); Ocean Springs (approx. 0.6 miles away); Southern Live Oak
Photographed by Mark Hilton, December 11, 2025
3. Shearwater Park Trail sign.
Also see . . . Shearwater Historic District. National Register of Historic Places Registration Form (Submitted on December 11, 2025, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)
Credits. This page was last revised on May 23, 2026. It was originally submitted on December 11, 2025, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 68 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 11, 2025, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
