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Five of the Gulf Coast's nine flags
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the ?Day that Care Forgot." It la tradition.
And Powell aays, "My duty as historian has been to research the story behind the traditional eight flags. After diligent research, I parted from tradition and used the Star Spangled Banner with 15 stars and 15 stripes as our fifth flag, thus giving us nine flags.
?The Mississippi Gulf Coast actually was under more than eight flags, so In keeping with ?eight flags? I have presented both state flags? the Magnolia and the current Mlssissipi state flag ?In the same time slot as two patterns of the state flag.
?I consulted with Jim Stevens, well-known Coast historian [and president of the Mississippi Historical Society], and he agreed with with'my decision," she said.
Powell?s extensive educational backgound supports.her in that decision. ?To do otherwise would be to ignore 50 years of history. It is the duty of the historian to search out the truth of history and not to perpetuate myth. This presentation Is the truth of history as I see It," she said.
She said the many flags that have waved over the Gulf Coast have been for years a controversial subject. ?There were other claims and explorers long before the French in 1699. The Gulf Coast area was a political pawn of many foreign powers which give us a unique and exciting history, under many more flags than we recognize. But our celebration begins with the first permanent settlement established in 1699.
?Mardi Gras 1981 gives due recognition and acknowledgement to these other flags, but out celebration begins with the first permanent settlement."
Powell is vice president of Geneaology of the )	Misslssipi	Gulf	Coast	Historical	and
Geneaological Society. She has done historical and geneaological resarch through Brigham Young University and Samford University of Birmingham and holds a Certificate of Specialist in North American and Southern Research.
In addition to all these duties, she has Bpent much time collecting the oral history of Biloxi and has workd on oral history in conjunction with the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. She also has taught classes and workshops on geneaology and oral history, and has been on the staff of the Biloxi Library for
the past eight years.
So, wher\ the'klng and his queen, their consorts and attendants appear in their royal robes, they cari be confident their raiment Is authentic, that the floats they ride or view depict the facts of the Eight Flags that have flown over the Gulf Coast. And so can the thousands of celebrants who will turn out for the event.
Fleur de Lis of France?1699-1763
?	In 1699 the glorious Fleur de 11s of France was unfurled by Pierre LeMoyne, Sleur d?Iberville, over Fort Maurepas at the settlement of Biloxi. D'Ibervllle was sent by King Louis XIV of France to gain control over the mout,h of the Mississippi River and to stop Spanish and English expansion. The site chosen for the fort was on the eastern shore of the bay which had been named for the Biloxi Indians?who welcomed the settlers in a warm and friendly manner. The fort later was moved to a permanent site on the beachfront of the current City of Biloxi and was named Fort Louis, under the leadership of Jean Baptiste LeMoyne, Sieur Bienville, d'Ibervllle's brother.
British Red Ensign?1763-1779
?	England's defeat of France in the Seven
Years War brought an end to French rule in North America. As a result of the peace treaty signed by George III and France, the Gulf Coast became a part of the newly-created province of British West Florida. The Fleur de Lis was lowere4 and replaced by the flag of the British empire. The first governor by royal appointment was John Johnston.	'
Spanish Bars of Aragon?1779-1810
?	The year 1779 brought yet another flag to the Gulf Coast after Spain declared war against England and won. As a result, the Gulf Coast became Spanish West Florida under Don Bernado de Galvez. Galvez almost single-handedly drove the British out and took over as civil and military governor. Galvez came to be acknowledged as one of the most able soldiers and administrators of his time.
Lone Star Flag Sept. 23,1810-Dec. 7,1810
?	This period well may be the most exciting part of our history with the Gulf Coast taking part in a daring rebellion against the Spanish dons In power at that time. When Napoleon sold the vast Louisiana territory to the United States, the people of Spanish West Florida considered themselves part of that purchase. Spain refused to give up the territory, but neglected to give the province protection and to enforce law and order. As a result, the country became a place of refuge for outlaws, fugitives and pirates and was open to foreign invasions, In September of 1810, a daring and successful rebellion was staged and the Spanish were run out of the province. The people declared themselves the Independent Nation of the Republic of West Florida. A constitution was drawn up, a president elected and the Lone Star Flag adopted. Application was made to the United States for admission as a new state but President Madison refused the request
See RESEARCH, Page C-8