Gulfport Mississippi Great Southern Hotel 1905 Postcard
The Great Southern Hotel, a prominent landmark in Gulfport, Mississippi, opened its doors in 1903. Constructed by the Gulf and Ship Island Railroad (G&SIRR), it was a lavish resort designed by New Orleans architect Thomas Sully, intended to promote tourism and the development of the nascent port city. Its sprawling architecture, complete with multiple dormers and extensive verandas, epitomized the grand hotel style of the early 20th century.
This imposing structure played a crucial role in establishing Gulfport as a significant Gulf Coast destination, attracting visitors drawn by both its port activities and burgeoning resort appeal. The presence of railway tracks adjacent to the hotel, evident in the image, underscores its direct connection to transportation networks, facilitating the arrival of guests and goods in the early 1900s. The hotel, an icon of Gulfport's early prosperity, served as a center of social and economic activity until its demise after Hurricane Camille in 1969.
This imposing structure played a crucial role in establishing Gulfport as a significant Gulf Coast destination, attracting visitors drawn by both its port activities and burgeoning resort appeal. The presence of railway tracks adjacent to the hotel, evident in the image, underscores its direct connection to transportation networks, facilitating the arrival of guests and goods in the early 1900s. The hotel, an icon of Gulfport's early prosperity, served as a center of social and economic activity until its demise after Hurricane Camille in 1969.
