Petit Bois Island facts for kids
Aerial view of Petit Bois Island (viewed towards the west; north is to the right)
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Historical map of the changing geomorphology of Petit Bois Island
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 Petit Bois Island
Location in Mississippi
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| Geography | |
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| Location | Gulf of Mexico |
| Coordinates | 30°12′N 88°27′W / 30.200°N 88.450°W |
| Archipelago | Mississippi–Alabama barrier islands |
| Administration | |
| State | Mississippi |
| County | Jackson County |
Petit Bois Island is a barrier island located off the coast of Mississippi. It is south of Pascagoula and is one of the many Mississippi–Alabama barrier islands. This island is part of Jackson County, Mississippi. Since 1971, it has been a part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, which is managed by the U.S. National Park Service.
The name Petit Bois comes from French words meaning "little woods." Early French explorers gave the island this name because they found a small wooded area on its eastern side. Most of the island is covered in sand and scrub plants. After Hurricane Katrina hit, many of the trees in the "little woods" section died.
Contents
How Petit Bois Island Changes Shape
Petit Bois Island has changed its shape and size over many years. This happens because of natural forces like hurricanes and the movement of the shoreline.
Early Island History
An old French map from 1732 showed that Petit Bois Island was once connected to Dauphin Island by a long strip of land. This connection broke apart sometime between 1740 and 1766. A big hurricane in 1740 might have caused this separation.
Island Erosion and Size
Petit Bois Island used to stretch about 7 miles (11 km) east of the Alabama-Mississippi state line. This meant it was partly in both states. However, from 1933 to 1968, the eastern part of the island wore away. By 1968, it was about 0.5 miles (0.8 km) west of the Mississippi state line. Today, the island is about 6 miles (9.7 km) long.
Wildlife on Petit Bois Island
Petit Bois Island is an important home for many animals. You can find different types of birds there, like gulls, terns, and plovers. It is also a habitat for alligators and other kinds of wildlife.
Images for kids
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Petit Bois Island viewed from Mississippi Sound
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Dead trees in 'Little Woods' section of Petit Bois Island
See also
In Spanish: Isla Petit Bois para niños
