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A lot is heard about Lowry Island these days - the City, with grant money, has just completed an extensive renovation of the location. My question is who is Lowry, and how did the island get its name? A little research revealed a lot of irrelevant information and an exact answer was not found, however some interesting facts were revealed.
We are all familiar with the "GOVERNOR STONE", a schooner built in Pascagoula and named for a governor of Mississippi, John M. Stone who served two terms 1876-1882, and 1890-1896. (Yes, those dates are correct -Governor Stone is Mississippi's longest serving governor - a total of 12 years and a story for another day). Between those terms of office, was the 32nd Governor of Mississippi Robert Lowry, and the first to remain in office for two consecutive four-year terms. He was elected in 1881 and re-elected in 1885. One might say he was 'book ended' by Governor Stone.
During Governor Lowry's first term Mississippi University for Women, then called the Industrial Institute and College, was established. It was the first state-supported college for women founded in the United States, and during this same administration the University of Mississippi was made co-educational.
Rapid industrial development occurred during his administration - during the 1880's railroad mileage in Mississippi increased 110 percent. In 1883 more railroad track was laid in Mississippi than in any other state in the U.S.
All very interesting, but was Lowry Island named after the governor, or one of his 11 children?
Very likely it was named after the Governor. There is an article in the DEMOCRAT-STAR of 11 April, 1890 regarding the hanging of a convicted murderer 'on a selected spot on Lowry Island between East and West Pascagoula River.' Again Governor Stone (whose 2nd term followed Governor Lowry) enters the picture, as he sent the following dispatch to the Sheriff following an appeal for clemen cy:
"Jackson Mississippi April 4,1890 Sheriff of Jackson County Mississippi I cannot suspend sentence of Fields.
You must execute. J. M. Stone.”
Lowry Island is a site of interest for the location of the Mississippi Maritime Museum.
Submitted by Liz Ford, MMM Historian and Board Member
The photo is the 2010 Blessing of the Fleet at the Pascagoula River Park on Lowery Island. Mississippi Press