By 1812, Spain ceded dominion of our Coast to the U.S., adding to
the Mississippi Territory. At the time most of north-shore Back Bay
Biloxi was settled by three related (Swiss-French) Ladnier families
and (Indian-French) ) Elizabeth Boudreau. Boudreau's U.S. strip which
had an 18th century "Canadian wood fort" (trading post), was
reissued to Louis Caillavet, a newcomer. After statehood in 1817,
next generation and new arrivals erected homes both shores of
the Bay. Horse & wagon trails evolved; following the high ground
they converged at this site known as West End crossing or "Five
Point". The five wagon roads were: 1) Ocean Springs-Ramsey Springs
(per U.S. Land Office), 2) Cedar Lake-Wells Ferry, 3) Brickyard,
4) Back Bay Ferry and 5) St. Martin. In 1901 a wooden bridge
crossing Back Bay south of Five Point brought more traffic, creating
further growth in the village of "Seymour" (in time called Back Bay,
North Biloxi and now D'Iberville). Horse racing evolved and St.
Martin Road became a track. In 1902 a special race drew a large
crowd. 14 year old Randy Quave was killed when thrown from his
horse into an oak at the track's east turn. It was the last race:
St. Martin Road became Race Track Road. In 1926 the wood bridge
was replaced by a modern concrete
unit. This D'Iberville Bridge
completed the last link in the famed "Old Spanish Trail" between
Jacksonville, FL & San Diego, CA. The Five Trails were soon paved.
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