Map of Southern Mississippi

“What a Dollar Can Do on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.”

“Mississippi Land & Abstract Co. has invested thousands of [dollars] in Gulfport and Gulf Coast Property. These investments include city, beach and suburban lots and farm lands that have realized profits of 50 to 500 Per Cent. Continued development at Gulfport and other Coast Towns makes the opportunity for profitable investment better than ever.” – Text, back panel.

This rare map and pamphlet was published in Gulfport, MS in 1906 by the Mississippi Land & Abstract Company. Having been first incorporated less than 20 years earlier, the city and surrounding Gulf Coast area are presented as the land of opportunity for agriculture, industry, and recreation. Several photographs present a bird’s eye view of the business section, a panorama of the Gulfport Harbor, the luxurious Great Southern Hotel (completed 1903), and state fair awards for sugarcane, rice, and cotton.

The folding map (disbound) was copywritten in 1905 by W.H. Bouslog and presents Hancock, Harrison, and Jackson Counties. The image identifies the railroads in operation (steam and electric), numerous coastal settlements, and the channel accessing the port. The location of Mobile, the closest major city, is somewhat skewed to seem closer than reality.

An interesting and uncommon artifact documenting Gulfport’s period of development during the early 20th century. The city grew from about 1,000 inhabitants in 1900 to over 6,000 in 1910.