PASCAGOULA, Miss. (WLOX) — This week, “We the People” celebrate 250 years of America. There’s a place on the Mississippi Coast that’s survived all of the changes we’ve seen, starting even before July 4, 1776, and its story continues.
“It kind of is a good metaphor for our nation with how well it’s stood the test of time,” said Wyatt Slonneger.
The LaPointe-Krebs House in Pascagoula is the oldest standing scientifically confirmed structure between the Appalachian and Rocky Mountains. The primitive material called oyster tabby, made from shells, still lines the interior of the building first constructed in 1757. The Krebs family called it home for more than a century.
Slonneger is back in his hometown after graduating from college. He’s learning about the centuries-old structure while working in the 3.5-acre property’s museum.
“It gives the story of how old Pascagoula actually is,” he said.
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It also tells the story of our nation.
“It’s one of the very first roots of the eventuality of America.”
Slonneger’s grandmother, Glynda Smith, is on the board for the historic property. She’s watched the property undergo extensive restoration in recent years, all in the name of preserving it for future generations.
“We have history right here in our own backyard,” described Smith.
Visitors from all over stop to take it all in, including Joann Podgurski and Ronnie Reese from Florida. The two made a stop at the site during their road trip across America.
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“Everywhere we go, we’re learning something, and it’s wonderful,” said Podgurski.
“That’s amazing, at my age, to learn something new,” said Reese.
Seeing America during its 250th anniversary makes the trip extra special.
“This is the year to do it,” explained Podgurski. “We’ve noticed the friendliness of people, and we expect to experience that all the way across the country.”
Like America, the LaPointe-Krebs House is still standing even through change, hardship and the weight of centuries.
“The things that the people who settled this must have went through is just mind-boggling with all of the heartache, trials and tribulations that they went through just had to be staggering,” said Reese.
Perseverance is part of the story. So are the people and cultures working together and leaving a mark on history.
“When you move here, you leave a footprint here,” said Smith. “People leave footprints behind.”
America is full of footprints — each one a small step over 250 years in the quest of a more perfect union.
“It’s important that we realize we’re all on the same side and everything that we’ve gone through was meant to happen,” said Slonneger. “It’s what our founding fathers foresaw and they built our country in a way that we could withstand all those issues and come together as one.”
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The LaPointe-Krebs House and Museum in Pascagoula is open seven days a week, excluding holidays. For more information, visit its website at lapointekrebs.org.
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