Early Discovery and Naming
Ship Island was first charted by French explorers in the early 1700s and named Île à la Ship. Its deepwater harbor made it a natural landmark for ships entering the Gulf of Mexico.
Fort Massachusetts and the Civil War
During the mid 1800s, the United States built Fort Massachusetts on the island. The fort served as a Union prison during the Civil War and a staging point for Gulf Coast campaigns.
Modern Preservation and Access
Today, Ship Island is part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Visitors reach the island by ferry, exploring the fort ruins, beaches, and historic sites managed by the National Park Service. Learn more about visiting Ship Island at Gulf Islands National Seashore.
