Ocean Springs in Jackson County, Mississippi — The American South (East South Central)
Ocean Springs Tree Tales...
Photographed by Mark Hilton, December 10, 2025
1. Ocean Springs Tree Tales... Marker
If the older trees in our town's urban forest could talk, wouldn't their tales be amazing? Like the huge Live Oak pictured here, our many beautiful trees have witnessed the rich history and growth of the Ocean Springs community. Many have endured multiple strong hurricanes over their lives, but still stand tall today to provide us shade & beauty.
The broad and squatty profile of the Live Oak tree reduces the possibility that it will topple during hurricanes. Hurricane-force winds will certainly strip leaves and small branches from a Live Oak, but the resilient tree will most likely begin to sprout new leaves and branches after just a few weeks.
Provided they are allowed enough space, Live Oak trees will develop into truly spectacular ornamental and shade trees, often living 200 to 300 years or even longer. Live Oaks do well in salty soils, allowing them to grow so well here along our Gulf Coast.
Despite the incredibly strong fibers of their wood, Live Oaks are not used much for timber anymore, though they were once the preferred tree for ship building. Wood from Live Oaks is incredibly tough and durable. During the War of 1812, the naval vessel U.S.S. Constitution was nicknamed "Old Ironsides" after her hull built of Live Oak survived repeated cannon fire.
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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 7.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Horticulture & Forestry. A significant historical year for this entry is 1812.
Location. 30° 24.718′ N, 88° 49.889′ W. Marker is in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, in Jackson County. It is on Porter Avenue east of Catchot Place, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 710 Porter Ave, 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: St. John's Episcopal Church (a few steps from this marker); The Roost (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Robert A. Friar House (about 500 feet away);
Photographed by Mark Hilton, December 10, 2025
2. Ocean Springs Tree Tales... Marker to right of oak tree.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 17, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 17, 2025, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 57 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 17, 2025, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
