Deer Island is a island off the coast of Biloxi, Mississippi that was once part of the mainland and is not a barrier island {ref Deer Island, A geological and Historical Study, DEQ, State of MS}. It is the closest island to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and consists of approximately 400 acres (1.6 km2).
[History
Deer Island was inhabited by the early Choctaw tribe before Europeans settled there. It was named Deer Island because the deer would swim to it when they were being hunted. When Europeans arrived in the area, the Choctaw were driven out of Biloxi and Deer Island. It was then home to residents including the old hermit, Jean Guillot (d. 1959), who lived on it for many years. The main owner of the island was Captain Ralph Baker. After Hurricane Camille in 1969, all the houses were destroyed and it was no longer inhabited. Upon the death of Captain Baker, the island was sold to many people who own parts of it. Decedents of the Baker family still own certain parts of the island. The island now serves as a tourist attraction for those searching for Native American pottery and arrowheads; it is also a popular fishing spot.
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