As the temperatures drop and Halloween approaches, why not immerse yourself in a local and historical experience? Discover the Old Biloxi City Cemetery Tour, a unique event that offers a fascinating journey into the past.
Established in 1699, this cemetery holds a unique historical significance with headstones dating back to the early 1800s. To truly understand the essence of any city, one must visit the final resting place of the people who shaped its history.
This historic graveyard is the resting place for many notable people, including Edward Barq of Barq’s Root Beer, Walter “Skeet” Hunt, who founded Mardi Gras on the Gulf Coast, and Jean Guilt, who was known as the hermit of Deer Island because he lived in isolation on the island for many years.
For the past 18 years, the city has hosted a free guided tour of the cemetery every October. During the tour, costumed storytellers bring Biloxi’s rich and diverse history to life, creating a fun, educational, and seasonal experience for locals and visitors alike!
Each year, the event features a different theme, with reenactments of those buried beneath the headstones. This year’s theme is “Artists and Artisans,” honoring the artists and craftsmen who brought such rich culture to the Biloxi area through their artwork and architecture.
In its 320-year history, Biloxi has been home to a diverse range of characters with fascinating stories to tell. The Preserve Biloxi Committee, a collaboration of various local entities, has organized these cemetery tours over the years to bring these characters and their stories to life!
It’s important to note that this is not a Halloween event, but a historical one that promises a lot of fun for both locals and tourists.
The guided tours will occur on October 20 from 2-5 pm and October 22 from 5-7 pm. Of course, anyone can visit the cemetery from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. throughout the year and take a self-guided tour. If you do so, be sure to look for the following headstones:
- James Parks Caldwell
- Maria and Miranda Younghans
- Jean Guilhot
- Charles Albert Bessey
- Walter and Cora White
- Edward Barq
- Archbishop Eugene Marino
- George Ohr
- Lazaro Lopez
- St. Cyr Zamour
- Joseph “Dinker” Lamas and Gladys Purcell Lamas
- Walter “Skeet” Hunt
Can’t attend the cemetery? Virtual tours are also available. Grab a friend, and celebrate this spooky season and the spirit of Biloxi!
When: OctOctober 20om, 2-5 p.m. and OctOctober 22om 5-7 p.m.
Where: Old Biloxi Cemetery, 1166 Irish Hill Drive, Biloxi, MS 39530
Price: FREE, but donations are welcome
More info: (228)435-6339
