St. Martin, MS

County: Jackson

History

St. Martin, Mississippi

St. Martin, Mississippi is an unincorporated community located in Jackson County. The history of St. Martin dates back to the early 19th century when it was initially settled by French, Spanish, and British colonists.

The area was first explored by the French in the late 17th century, and it became part of the French colony of Louisiana. However, with the Treaty of Paris in 1763, the area was ceded to the Spanish. The Spanish ruled the region until 1803 when it was included in the Louisiana Purchase by the United States.

Settlers arrived in the St. Martin area in the early 19th century, drawn by the rich agricultural opportunities and the proximity to waterways like the Mississippi Sound and the Gulf of Mexico. The region was primarily used for fishing, agriculture, and logging.

The town was named St. Martin after the Catholic church in the area, which itself was named after St. Martin of Tours. The church, established in the early 1800s, played a central role in the community, providing religious services and acting as a gathering place for social events.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the area experienced a boom in the lumber industry. Sawmills were established, bringing economic prosperity to St. Martin. However, by the mid-20th century, the logging industry declined, and the town's economy shifted towards tourism, fishing, and shrimp processing.

St. Martin was severely affected by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The hurricane caused significant damage to the community, destroying homes, businesses, and infrastructure. However, the town has since experienced a slow but steady recovery.

Today, St. Martin remains a tight-knit community with a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial areas. It continues to attract visitors for its natural beauty, including its access to waterways and nearby barrier islands. The town also benefits from its proximity to larger cities like Biloxi and Gulfport, which provide additional economic opportunities for residents.

Attractions

St. Martin Beach

St. Martin Beach

This beach is popular for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. It offers beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico and is a great place to relax and unwind.

Gulf Islands National Seashore

This national park spans across Mississippi and Florida and offers stunning beaches, hiking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and historical sites. The park is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Davis Bayou

Located within the Gulf Islands National Seashore, Davis Bayou is a picturesque spot for hiking, fishing, and boating. It is also home to a variety of wildlife, including alligators, turtles, and various bird species.

Biloxi Lighthouse

Located nearby in Biloxi, MS, the Biloxi Lighthouse is a historic landmark that offers visitors the opportunity to climb to the top and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area. The lighthouse is one of the oldest continuously operating lighthouses in the United States.

Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum

Situated in Biloxi, this museum showcases the region's rich maritime history and the impact of the seafood industry. Visitors can learn about the area's fishing traditions, boat-building techniques, and the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina.

Walter Anderson Museum of Art

Located in Ocean Springs, MS, this museum celebrates the life and artwork of Walter Anderson, a renowned American painter, and writer. The museum displays a collection of Anderson's unique and vibrant works inspired by the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Pascagoula River Audubon Center

Just east of St. Martin, this center offers nature trails, kayak rentals, and educational programs about the local ecosystem. It's a great place to explore and learn about the diverse wildlife found in the Pascagoula River watershed.

Casinos

St. Martin is located near a cluster of casinos in Biloxi, including the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, and IP Casino Resort Spa. These casinos offer a variety of entertainment options, including gambling, live shows, and dining experiences.

Climate

St. Martin, MS is located in Jackson County, Mississippi, and has a humid subtropical climate. The climate is influenced by its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, which helps moderate temperature extremes.

Summers in St. Martin are generally hot and humid. High temperatures often hover around the mid-90s Fahrenheit (around 34-36 degrees Celsius), with occasional heatwaves pushing temperatures into the triple digits. Humidity levels can be quite high, leading to muggy and uncomfortable conditions. Thunderstorms are common during the summer months, bringing heavy rainfall and occasional lightning.

Winters in St. Martin are generally mild, with temperatures rarely dropping significantly below freezing. Daytime temperatures during winter usually range from the 50s to 60s Fahrenheit (10-16 degrees Celsius). However, cold fronts can cause temporary drops in temperature, leading to occasional frost or even light snowfall. Precipitation during winter comes mostly in the form of rain.

Spring and autumn in St. Martin are transitional periods, with temperatures gradually warming up or cooling down. Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with no distinct dry season.

The location of St. Martin in the southeastern United States means that it is susceptible to tropical cyclones, particularly between June and November during the Atlantic hurricane season. These storms can bring heavy rain, strong winds, and storm surge to the area.

Overall, the climate of St. Martin, MS is characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters, with rainfall distributed throughout the year.

Neighborhoods

St. Martin, MS is a census-designated place located in Jackson County, Mississippi. It is a suburb of the city of Biloxi and is situated on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Although St. Martin is not officially divided into distinct neighborhoods, there are a few areas that stand out in terms of their characteristics. Here are some notable neighborhoods or areas within St. Martin:

St. Martin

The central area of St. Martin encompasses the main commercial district and residential neighborhoods. It is a mix of residential, commercial, and retail properties. This area offers a range of housing options, including single-family homes, apartments, and townhouses. You'll find amenities such as shopping centers, restaurants, and parks in this neighborhood.

Ocean Springs Road Area

Located in the northern part of St. Martin, near the Ocean Springs city limits, this area is primarily residential with a few commercial establishments. It offers a suburban atmosphere with traditional single-family homes and a variety of amenities nearby. It is conveniently situated close to major roads, making it easily accessible to other parts of St. Martin and neighboring cities.

Lemoyne Boulevard Area

Situated in the south-central part of St. Martin, the Lemoyne Boulevard area is mainly residential. It consists of diverse housing options, from modest starter homes to larger, higher-end properties. This area is known for its proximity to nature, with many homes offering scenic views of water bodies like ditches, streams, and lakes. It offers a peaceful suburban experience.

Bridgewater Neighborhood

Located on the southern edge of St. Martin, the Bridgewater neighborhood is a newer development that features well-maintained homes and newer construction. This residential area offers an upscale suburban living experience, with spacious homes, manicured lawns, and access to community amenities such as swimming pools, playgrounds, and walking trails.

Gulf Hills

Although technically part of the nearby Ocean Springs community, Gulf Hills is a notable neighborhood adjacent to St. Martin. Gulf Hills offers a more upscale living experience, featuring a mix of waterfront properties, golf courses, and a country club. It is a highly sought-after area and offers a range of amenities for residents, including golfing, boating, and other recreational activities.

Overall, St. Martin, MS provides a variety of residential neighborhoods ranging from more urban and commercial areas to suburban and upscale developments. The community offers a mix of housing options, amenities, and natural surroundings, making it an attractive place to live on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Nearby Cities