In 1969, Hurricane Camille's 200 mile per hour winds and 30 foot tide cut the delicate island in two, creating East and West Ship Islands. Nearly five miles long, West Ship Island is an arc of white sandy beach, where the Mississippi Sound meets the clear, green waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Ship Island is a favorite getaway for both the nature lover and the history buff. Part of Gulf Islands National Seashore and protected by the National Park Service, the unspoiled island is home to an interesting variety of plants and wildlife, including many species of migratory birds. Warm tidal pools and wind shaped sand dunes crowned with sea oats help the island retain much of its natural beauty. The finest beaches on the Mississippi Gulf Coast are located on Ship Island. Tranquil stretches of barrier island shore invite you to explore, picnic, or hike. Pristine gulf waters surrounding Ship Island attract swimmers and body surfers. The National Park Service provides a designated swim beach. Emergency assistance is available year-round. Ship Island has played an important role in the history and settlement of the Gulf Coast. The island was named in 1699 by French explorers who were impressed with the protected, deep-water anchorage it offered their ships. The island soon became an important port for French Louisiana. Many colonists took their first steps on American soil at Ship Island and it is considered the "Plymouth Rock" of the Gulf Coast. During the war of 1812, 60 British ships, with nearly 10,000 troops, rendezvoused near the island prior to their unsuccessful attempt to capture New Orleans. In 1862 Ship Island served as the base from which Admiral David Farragut's Union fleet sailed to attack and capture the ports New Orleans and Mobile. The Island also became a prison for Confederate P.O.W.'s, and a base for the U.S. Second Regiment (Louisiana Native Guards), one of the first African American combat units to fight in the Civil War. The National Park Service provides tours of Fort Massachusetts during March thru October. A gulf beach snack bar, spacious picnic pavilions, shower and restroom facilities, and beach chair and umbrella rentals are provided. Pack lightly to enjoy the one-third mile walk which is required to reach the gulf side of the island. Restrict gear to items that can be stowed under your seat. Large ice chests, wagons, dollies and glass containers are prohibited.