MOSS POINT, Miss. (WLOX) — In 2026, Moss Point is celebrating its 125th anniversary, and the people who call it home say its best chapter is still being written.
“I always tell people Moss Point is a hidden jewel,” said Stacy Inlow.
Moss Point is Inlow’s home. Before her, her grandfather first made it his home. As a boat captain, he shipped timber from local sawmills around the world.
“Moss Point was probably better known in Europe than it was in the United States because everyone in Europe knew where all this lumber came from, and this industry was so strong during that time,” explained Inlow.
Located where the Pascagoula and Escatawpa rivers merge, timber led to International Paper operating its Moss Point paper mill for 70 years.
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“It was all about the water, and the water is important just like it was then,” said Moss Point Mayor Billy Knight. “We were known for bottling, pottery and the wood. This city was based on those two industries.”
The city’s character with Spanish Moss draped over live oaks helped shape some remarkable natives, including former Coca-Cola CEO John Brock, former Ole Miss Chancellor Robert Khayat, and NBA superstar Devin Booker. On the field, the Moss Point Tigers have claimed five football state championships.
“When Moss Point was really at its peak of pride was back in the day when they were winning football games,” said Knight. “The football team really brought the city together.
With success, the River City has also seen its fair share of struggles. Industries have left and the city has dealt with natural disasters. However, those struggles build resilience. Inlow was working at the Merchants and Marine Bank in 2023 when it was destroyed by a tornado.
“I just remember walking up to our building and thinking I’ve never seen anything like this in my community, and it made me so sad,” she said. “But what I saw after that, the people coming together, the people coming out feeding people in need and cleaning lots? You just don’t have that everywhere.”
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“We are a resilient people,” said Knight. “That’s part of our history, that we’ve always been able to bounce back when things happen. We haven’t always had it good, so you learn how to fight back and respond when things don’t go right.”
Overcoming difficult times, the people who love Moss Point see a greater future.
“I have visions of what if a resort can come in and sit on the river banks by Pelican Landing?” said Inlow. “I think the development of downtown, the plans are very important. I think if we do it right, I think it can be amazing.”
Possibly the greatest opportunity zone for Moss Point is to the north of downtown, around the interstate.
“That’s where I’m focused on to get economic development so that our city will have a tax structure that we’ll be able to provide the services that our people deserve,” said Knight.
Mayor Knight also wants to make sure Moss Point’s past isn’t forgotten.
“We need to know from where we came, and this is the way to do it. We have to keep this history alive. We want to plant that seed now in our 125-year celebration so that our kids can keep it going.”
Celebrating the past and looking to the future, Knight knows it’s the people who make Moss Point special.
“When we need each other, we show up. I just want us to do that all the time.”
Those looking to celebrate Moss Point’s 125th anniversary celebration this week can head over to the River Jamboree happening on May 1 and May 2. For more information on the festival, visit cityofmosspoint.org.
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