The Beloved Mississippi Island Resort That Now Lies At The Bottom Of The Ocean
By Daniella DiRienzo|Published August 21, 2019
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Daniella DiRienzo
Author
Though Daniella was born in New York and has lived in a couple of other states, Mississippi has been her home for more than 30 years. After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi, Daniella began to hone her writing skills through various internships. In the years since, she’s had the privilege of having her articles appear in several publications, such as the Mississippi-based Parents & Kids Magazine. She’s also had the honor of interviewing actress Sela Ward for The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience.
As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.
Mississippi is full of surprises. One of the biggest is beneath the waters of the Gulf of Mexico – and it’s the Isle of Caprice. Dubbed the “Monte Carlo of the South,” the island included a popular luxury resort, which attracted people from near and far. But it’s success didn’t last long. Sadly, after just a few short years, the Gulf overtook the island and resort, concealing it yet again.Take a look:
Most Mississippi residents are familiar with the Gulf Coast's barrier islands. However, many don't know that there used to be another barrier island – Dog Key Island.
Dog Key Island first appeared on a map in 1847. Not long after, in 1859, it disappeared. Throughout the decades, the island has periodically resurfaced, only to disappear again. As of today, it’s located just a few feet under the water's surface.
In the 1920s, three Biloxi entrepreneurs bought Dog Key Island. They changed its name to Caprice and set out to transform it into a nationally known island getaway.
The island’s location made it the perfect choice for the new luxury resort. At the time, alcohol was illegal because of prohibition. However, since the island was far enough offshore, alcohol could legally be served.
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At 3.5 miles wide and totaling 487 acres, the island had lots of space to build on.
People from all across the country flocked to the new resort. While in operation, the University of California allowed its Kappa Beta Sorority to vacation there. And in 1931, the resort hosted one of its most notable guests – Ethel Barrymore.
The island paradise was open for the entire summer, offering a slew of fun for people of all ages.
Jazz bands were always on hand to provide live musical entertainment in the dance hall. There was a casino, which offered roulette, dice, and other games, and on-site dining, where cocktails were always on the menu.
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In addition to offering a variety of amenities, the resort hosted several promotional events, including an annual swim marathon.
The resort’s demise was the result of several factors, including seasonal storms, which eroded the eastern tip of the island. And that’s in addition to a hurricane, which split the island in two. The Great Depression was also partially to blame for the resort’s closure.
But it wasn’t just Mother Nature that put an end to the Isle of Caprice. In 1931, a group of men from New Orleans were camping on the island, and the resort’s main building caught fire. The fire quickly spread to the other buildings.
By 1932, the island was once again completely submerged beneath the waters of the Gulf. The only sign of its existence was an artesian water pipe, which protruded out from the surface of the water.
For years, local fisherman would stop at the pipe for a swig of water. Eventually, like the island, the pipe was lost to the Gulf of Mexico.
The sunken island resort is out of sight but not out of mind. The heirs of the original owners still pay property taxes on the submerged island just in case it does resurface. Maybe one day, we’ll get to experience the resort for ourselves. Until then, we’ll just have to made do with the islands that we do have.
So, did you know about this island? Or the resort? Know of another spot that’s been reclaimed by nature? Tell us in the comments section.
This island is long gone. Luckily, it’s not the state’s only one. Read about another here.
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