Most People Have No Idea There's A Drowned Island Hiding In The Mississippi Gulf

Since prohibition had such a negative effect on Biloxi's tourism, three businessmen, Colonel Jack Apperson, Walter Hunt, and Arbeau Caillavet, opened a hotel, resort and casino on an island just out of the federal government’s jurisdiction, allowing them to serve alcohol. The men changed the island’s name from Dog Keys to Isle of Caprice, and opened the island to tourists on May 30, 1926.

The Isle of Caprice was located approximately 12 miles from Biloxi’s coastline. Excursion boats, such as the Non Pareil (pictured), were used to transport visitors from the Buena Vista boat dock to the island.

After docking on the island, passengers could check into the luxurious hotel, spend the day gambling, or hit the beach.

This photo above, which was taken in 1927, shows Exchange Club Members enjoying the cool waters of the Gulf.

Eventually, Hunt created a marathon that began on the Biloxi mainland and finished on the island. The photo above is believed to be participants in the 1928 marathon.

Unfortunately, the island’s success was extremely short lived due to a number of reasons. One being the Great Depression, which struck in 1929, just three years after the resort opened. Not long after, the island was cut into two during a hurricane. A series of repeated storms further eroded the island, and by 1932, it was completely submerged.

At one time, the only sign of the island’s existence was a pipe (background of photo above) that protruded out of the Gulf. The pipe, connected to an artesian well, once provided the island’s water supply, and was visible for decades after the Isle of Caprice disappeared.