Fort Massachusetts is a fort on West Ship Island along the Mississippi Gulf Coast of the United States. It was built following the War of 1812, with brick walls during 1859–1866, and remained in use until 1903. Currently, it is a historical tourist attraction within …

Mar 4, 2020 · Fort Massachusetts is shaped like a “D”; similar to some of the earlier castle forts built as part of the Second System of coastal fortifications. The fort’s design provides nearly 360 degree coverage of water and land approaches.

Fort Massachusetts is on the western tip of Ship Island, located 12 miles off the Mississippi coast. This historic fort, built by French colonists in Mississippi in 1859, was strategically positioned near Natchez along the Mississippi River to protect against attacks from Native Americans and rival European powers.

A brief naval battle occurred in July 1861 between the Confederate forces on Ship Island and the sailors on-board the USS Massachusetts. The Union forces took over the island in September 1861 after the Confederate forces vacated.

Oct 1, 2023 · Located on Ship Island, approximately 12 miles off the coast of Gulfport and Biloxi, Mississippi, Fort Massachusetts is a testament to 19th-century military architecture and the strategic importance of the Gulf Coast during the American Civil War.

Jan 24, 2024 · Description: This map shows states boundaries, Gulf of Mexico, the state capital, counties, county seats, cities, towns, islands and lakes in Mississippi. You may download, print or use the above map for educational, personal and non …

Mar 14, 2024 · Ship Island is a barrier island located about 12 miles off the coast of Mississippi. It is only accessible by boat and features a historic fort, swimming area, beautiful beaches, two pavilion areas, restrooms, and a concession store.

Apr 29, 2022 · Fort Massachusetts on Ship Island, Gulf Islands National Seashore. Fort Massachusetts is located on the western end of Ship Island at Gulf Island National Seashore in Mississippi. It is open from mid-March through the end of October and closed for the winter.

Built after of the War of 1812, Fort Massachusetts is situated on West Ship Island, part of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Heritage Area, and is open to the public. About 12 miles from Biloxi sits a desolate barrier island only accessible by boats or passenger ferry.

Learn about this formidable structure, why built on an isolated island, and what was it protecting. Rangers and volunteers give free guided tours of Fort Massachusetts during the spring, summer and fall. The tours begin inside the fort soon after the Ship Island ferry boat docks at the island.