Fort Massachusetts Interior Panorama Canvas Print

The inside of Fort Massachusetts on West Ship Island.

West Ship Island is one of the Mississippi Gulf Coast’s barrier islands and part of the Gulf Island National Seashore. It is located 12 miles off the coast from the Biloxi/Gulfport area. Once only known as Ship Island, in 1969 Hurricane Camille cut it in half creating two islands.

The fort is located on the island, although never formally named is called Fort Massachusetts. One of the first acts of the Civil War happened here shortly after Mississippi ceded from the Union when the Mississippi Militia took possession of the island and fort. The only battle that the fort as ever envolved in happened on July 9, 1861, when the Union’s USS Massachusetts came within firing range, and a 20-minute exchange of cannon fire ensued. This is also where the 2nd Louisiana Native Guard was stationed, a regiment of mostly enslaved men that fled slavery to join forces with the Union fighting for their freedom.

Copyr...

I'm a travel photographer that enjoys photographing United States architecture, nature, and transportation. As the 8th photographer in 4 generations of my family, I don't remember a time when photography was not part of my life. By the time I was five years old, I was standing on a stool in the darkroom, helping my dad develop pictures. It was my job to transfer the photos from the hypo to the water bath. I went to college for interior design. After I graduated, I had a long successful career as an art buyer and designer for a large home furnishings company. In 2006, I had a significant life change. My husband became a medical traveler, and I decided to put my career on hold to tag along. In the process, I found my roots again. What...