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GHOSTS OF GAINESVILLE TELL AMERICA 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 area of NSTL.
Back in the early 1700s the French settled along a river and after sampling the large oysters, hopefully christened it Pearl River. This area was a paradise for trapping, hunting and fishing with an abundance of timber for building.
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 own 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, this area of our land lived under six flags: Spain, France, England, West Florida, the Confederacy and the United States Flags, retaining much of the heritage of each.
OUTLAW 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 hijacking 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, the pirate, 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, the “King of Honey Island,” felt 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 were credited with providing supplies and reinforcements that turned the tide of the battle for the Americans.
Many of the soldiers from Jackson’s Army returned to the Pearl River country to make their homes after they were mustered out of the service. The years that followed were turbulent in this wilderness where there was tittle law enforcement to protect the residents.