Round Island (Mississippi) facts for kids
Round Island is a small, uninhabited island located in the Mississippi Sound. It's about 6.5 kilometers (4 miles) south of Pascagoula, Mississippi, in the U.S. This island is a special coastal preserve managed by the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources. It's found in Jackson County.
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About Round Island
Round Island is a quiet place with different types of land. You can find slash pine forests, wet marsh areas, and sandy beaches. This mix of habitats is perfect for many migratory birds. They use the island for feeding, resting, and spending the winter. Some of these birds include the brown pelican, the white pelican, and cormorants. The island is also home to some rare or endangered species, like a plant called Ruellia noctiflora.
Island History
In 1849, Round Island played a small part in history. A Venezuelan adventurer named Narciso López used it as a starting point for an expedition. He wanted to help Cuba gain independence. His plan involved three ships and about 600 men.
However, the U.S. President at the time, Zachary Taylor, did not support such unauthorized military actions. He ordered López's ships to be stopped and seized. After about six weeks, all the volunteers on Round Island were convinced to leave.
The Lighthouse Story
Round Island has had a lighthouse for a long time. The first one was built in 1833 and was made of wood. In 1859, a new brick lighthouse was built at the southern tip of the island (at 30°17′31″N 88°35′12″W / 30.2919°N 88.5867°W).
Sadly, this brick lighthouse was knocked down by Hurricane Georges in 1998. In 2005, people were working to rebuild it. But then, Hurricane Katrina hit, and the lighthouse was destroyed again.
Protecting the Island
Hurricane Katrina caused a lot of damage to Round Island. It cut new channels through the island, making it smaller. In December 2005, a big plan was announced to help restore the Gulf Coast environment. This plan included efforts to restore Round Island.
Over time, hurricanes and natural erosion had shrunk the island. In 1884, it was about 0.93 square kilometers (230 acres). After Hurricane Katrina, it was only about 0.101 square kilometers (25 acres).
In the summer of 2013, a company called VT Halter Marine started expanding its shipyard in Pascagoula. They offered to use materials dug from the seabed (called dredged materials) to make Round Island bigger. This project was expected to add about 0.285 square kilometers (70 acres) of new land to the island.
Nearby Islands
- Deer Island
- Horn Island
- Petit Bois Island
