Ocean Springs in Jackson County, Mississippi — The American South (East South Central)
The Railroad Historic District
Photographed by Mark Hilton, December 11, 2025
1. The Railroad Historic District Marker
The Railroad Historic District runs along the railroad corridor on an east-west path through Ocean Springs' historic areas. Illustrative of transportation and industrial influences, its buildings reflect uses related to the railroad and the surrounding African-American community. These turn-of-the- century resources reveal the great influence of the railroad upon Ocean Springs' development.
The African-American neighborhood developed in proximity to the Louisville & Nashville railroad line. As a common business practice of the late- nineteenth century, L & N railroad contributed to neighborhood growth through construction of worker housing. The L&N Railroad Depot soon adjoined the railroad as the company and the community prospered. Commercial enterprises opened in proximity to the railroad as well.
The District is significant for its railroad-related architecture, including residential, transportation, and commercial resources. The District is highlighted by a few highly-stylized buildings: the L & N Railroad Depot on Robinson Avenue, the Old Farmers and Merchant State Bank at 929 Washington, and the Carter-Calloway residence at 916 State Street.
Information from Ocean Springs Historic District Design Guidelines
This informational sign is part of
this page online
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 26.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Architecture • Railroads & Streetcars.
Location. 30° 24.898′ N, 88° 49.498′ W. Marker is in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, in Jackson County. It is at the intersection of Robinson Street and Blount Street, on the left when traveling east on Robinson Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1161 Robinson St, Ocean Springs MS 39564, 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: Carter-Calloway House (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Steelman Grocery (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Junius P. VanCleave Cottage (about 500 feet away); The L & N Railroad Depot (about 600 feet away); L&N Depot (about 700
Photographed by Mark Hilton, December 11, 2025
2. The Railroad Historic District Marker
Located to left of power pole.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 12, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 12, 2025, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 51 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 12, 2025, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
