Ocean Springs in Jackson County, Mississippi — The American South (East South Central)
Jackson Avenue
Photographed by Mark Hilton, December 11, 2025
1. Jackson Avenue Marker
Ocean Springs became more well-known as a beautiful spot along the Biloxi Bay in the 1830s when the wharf located at the foot of Jackson Avenue became a refueling stop on the steamship route running between New Orleans, Louisiana to Mobile, Alabama.
While their ship was loading fuel, passengers would enjoy bay breezes and shade under the long limbs of heritage live oaks. As word traveled about the natural beauty of the location, visitors increased and there was a demand for housing for tourists. Recognizing this opportunity in the 1830s, Mrs. Henrietta Porter opened the first hotel in town on Jackson Avenue. This began the tourism industry which was so important to the community's development.
Postcard on loan from private collection.
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 10.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these
this page online
Location. 30° 24.801′ N, 88° 49.758′ W. Marker is in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, in Jackson County. It is on Jackson Avenue 0.1 miles north of Porter Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: 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: Lovelace Drug Store (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Washington Avenue (about 500 feet away); Ocean Springs State Bank and Post Office (about 500 feet away); Ocean Springs (about 600 feet away); The Robert A. Friar House (about 600 feet away); The Bertuccini House & Barbershop (about 600 feet away); The Old Ocean Springs Historic District (about 600 feet away); The Bowen Avenue Historic District (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ocean Springs.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. Also titled Jackson Avenue.
Photographed by Mark Hilton, December 11, 2025
2. Jackson Avenue Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on December 15, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 15, 2025, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 57 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 15, 2025, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
