Built after the War of 1812, Fort Massachusetts is situated on West Ship Island. The Fort is 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. Looking at a map, Ship Island does not seem like much, but its great historical significance is evident once taking a closer look.

In addition to its important location, the fort was built because of its natural deep water harbor on the north side of West Ship Island. The brick walls holding Fort Massachusetts together were completed in 1866, and the structure remained in use until 1903. At one time, the island acted as a bustling small city, with soldiers and sailors unloading supply ships, cleaning stables, guarding prisoners, cooking meals, tending the sick and digging wells in the sand. Federal military convicts, political dissidents, and Confederate soldiers were imprisoned at the Fort during the Civil War. 

Despite its retirement as an official U.S. military installment, those brick walls have stood the test of time. In addition to all the man-made challenges faced in the past, Hurricanes Camille and Katrina did considerable damage to the structure, but it still stands today.