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John C. Stennis Space Center
The area you are visiting today has had an exciting past. Many important events that shaped the early history of our nation occurred right here along the Pearl River and around the no longer existing town of Gainesville, where Stennis Space Center is now located.
Since the early 1960s, history has again been made along the Pearl River. Every first and second stage of the Saturn V/Apollo vehicle used to put men on the moon was test fired here. Today the John C. Stennis Space Center (SSC) is a unique Federal installation, with numerous Federal, state, and university elements working together in some of the most sophisticated laboratories in this country. The Commander, U.S. Naval Oceanography Command; the Naval Oceanographic Office; and the Mississippi Army Ammunition Plant are also located here.
SSC has become internationally known for projects ranging from application and utilization of space age technology to oceanography. Some of its facilities used to help men to literally reach for the stars are now being used daily to help him deal with more earthly and pressing problems. This work ranges the full spectrum of man’s environment from the outermost limits of space to the depths of the our world’s oceans.
For information regarding tours of SSC, inquire at the Visitors Center Front Desk or call 688*2370.
GHOSTS OF GAINSVILLE TELL AMERICAN SAGA
You are visiting one of the most historic spots in America. Indians, explorers, pirates, soldiers, space scientists, and astronauts have walked on the same grounds that make up the SSC area.
Back in the early 1700s the French came first and settled along a river, which after sampling its large oysters, they hopefully christened Pearl River. This area was a paradise for trapping, hunting, and fishing, with an abundance of timber for building.
PIRATE HIDEOUT
During these early days, the Gulf Coast and the Pearl River became a favorite haunt and hideout for pirates and outlaw bands. The inlets, rivers, and bayous were popular with the pirates who held up ships in the Gulf of Mexico and escaped up the Pearl River to the numerous islands to hide and dispose of their booty.
A little settlement on the Pearl River, owned by Ambrose Gaines, became known as Gainesville, and was one of three most important settlements in Mississippi, from New Orleans to Mobile, Alabama.
At one time the town of Gainesville was headquarters of the famous pirate, Pierre Ramaux, known as the King of Honey Island. This freebooter built warehouses in Gainesville to house the loot he got from plundering ships in the Gulf.
JACKSON’S ARMY CAMPED HERE
In 1814, General Andrew Jackson and his army camped near Gainesville on their way to the battle of New Orleans. At this time Pierre Ramaux and his men joined General Jackson to fight against the British. Jean LaFitte and his pirate band also joined Jackson’s army as they moved into position for the battle at Chalmette.
During the battle, Ramaux decided that Jackson couldn’t win against the British, so he and his men deserted to the British and were killed during the battle. LaFitte and his men stayed with Jackson and became heroes by providing supplies and reinforcements that turned the tide of the battle for the Americans.
Many of the soldiers from Jackson’s Army returned to make their homes in the Pearl River country after they were mustered out of the service. The years that followed were turbulent in this wilderness where there was little law enforcement to protect the residents.
UNDER SIX FLAGS
As wars were fought in Europe, this land changed hands many times with the French turning it over to the Spanish, who in turn lost it back.to the French. Following the defeat of Napoleon by the British, the area again came under a different rule.
With French, Spanish, and English land grants in effect, many of the settlers had difficulty retaining possession of their lands, so they broke away and formed the country of West Florida with their own flag. Realizing they could never hold out against major powers, the landowners of the new nation petitioned the United States to become a part of that new country. Some of the land became a part of Louisiana and part joined Mississippi, with the Pearl River as the dividing line.
Thus, the settlers of this area of our land lived under six flags: Spain, France, England, West Florida, the Confederacy, and the United States flags, absorbing much of the heritage of each.