Pass Christian in Harrison County, Mississippi — The American South (East South Central)
Dixie "White House"
Photographed By Mark Hilton, February 19, 2015
1. Dixie White House Marker
Original homes here were destroyed by Hurricane Camille in 1969.
Erected 2006 by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #28 Woodrow Wilson, and the Mississippi State Historical Marker Program series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1851.
Location. 30° 19.367′ N, 89° 13.406′ W. Marker is in Pass Christian, Mississippi, in Harrison County. Marker is at the intersection of East Scenic Drive and Lang Avenue, on the right when traveling west on East Scenic Drive. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 765 East Scenic Drive, Pass Christian MS 39571, 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. Les Palmiers (approx. ¼ mile away); Independence Hall (approx. one mile away); The Star Spangled Banner (approx. one mile away); Declaration of Independence (approx. 1.1 miles away); The Liberty Bell (approx. 1.1 miles away); The Flag of the United States of America (approx. 1.1 miles away);
this page online
Regarding Dixie "White House". The Historic Marker reads John Backe, but the correct spelling should be John Bach or Bache, a resident of Jefferson Parish in Louisiana. John M. Bach, as the name is spelled in the Chancery Court deed records, did not acquire his Pass Christian homesite until May 1, 1852. Therefore, he did not build his house until after that date. He paid $1000 for the lot, which was the market rate at that time for a 165' Gulf lot, indicating that it was not likely to have had any significant structure previously built upon it.
The Historic Marker also reads that Miss Alice Herndon was the home owner when President Woodrow Wilson made his visit in 1913. Alice was in fact the daughter of Mrs. Thomas Herndon who was leasing the premises from Mrs. Marie Louise Ayer, widow of John Ayer. Mrs. Ayer, as owner of the estate, had offered her place, Beaulieu, to President Wilson for a Winter respite. Therefore, the supportive Miss Alice Herndon was the gracious hostess leasing the Ayer home at the
Photographed By Mark Hilton, February 19, 2015
2. Marker area looking north.
Also see . . .
1. Lost Forever – the Dixie White House. (Submitted on February 23, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)
2. More about the Dixie White House. (Submitted on February 23, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)
Photographed By Mark Hilton, February 19, 2015
3. View of Highway 90 and the Gulf of Mexico.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on February 23, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 831 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 23, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
