Pass Christian, Mississippi was discovered soon after the first French colony in Old Biloxi in 1699. French-Canadian explorers named the nearby channel Passe aux Huitres, or Oyster Pass, because of its plentiful oysters. Pass Christian has produced some of the best oysters in the world. Nine reefs, just out front in the Mississippi Sound, make up twenty square miles that oystermen and women still cultivate today. The Pass Christian Harbor is a popular spot to buy seafood “right off the docks.” The new harbor expansion meets Clean Marina criteria, and offers both commercial and pleasure craft slips.

“The Pass” is the western-most town in Harrison county. Long Beach borders to the east, and Bay St. Louis is west over the bridge in Hancock county. With only approximately 5,000 people, Pass Christian is a peaceful and charming town, with a fun and lively history. Dating back to late 1800s, Mardi Gras balls were held in the once magnificent hotel, The Mexican Gulf Hotel. Today, the Pass Christian Parade, organized by the St. Paul Carnival Association, is one of the biggest Mardi Gras parades on the Coast.

Tourism is vibrant in Pass Christian, as it has been a favorite weekend respite for New Orleanians. Beautiful and historic homes line Scenic Avenue in the Pass. People enjoy golfing, fishing, wonderful beachfront dining, and unique shopping. Charter fishing, sunset cruises, and island excursions may be accessed in the Pass Christian Harbor, which offers both commercial and pleasure craft slips of various sizes. The first yacht club of the south and second in the country was built in Pass Christian. The Pass Christian Yacht Club boasts the longest running annual regatta for female skippers, the Knost Regatta, which was established in 1938.

Along with seafood processing, manufacturing is an important component to today’s economy in Pass Christian. Chemours – Du Pont – DeLisle Plant, is one of the world’s largest producers of titanium dioxide, which has a wide range of applications from paint to sun screen. Also a huge employer, Gulf Coast Pre-Stress was established in 1967 and manufactures a wide variety of precast/prestressed concrete components for large foundation projects.

There are many reasons to love the Pass. The Pass Christian School District has earned and “A” rating, the highest academic performance level in the state. The town is known to be home of America’s sweetheart, Robin Roberts.