In February 1699, Pierre Le Moyne (d'Iberville) sent soldiers to
explore the Bay of Biloxi. They found no evidence of Indian residence
on either side, including what is now D'Iberville. Later, in the 18th
century, French-Indian Elizabeth Boudreaux occupied land that had
"an old Canadian fort" (trading post) east of the Dominic Ladnier
Section, 22." In 1833 Emanuel Sanchez bought the east strip of
Ladnier's land and built a home and chapel for his wife Philippe
"Feliz". Their mulatto servant with two boys also lived in the house.
Sanchez built the "Back Bay Chapel" near the home. In 1871 its
wooden cross was replaced by one of iron. After Emanuel's death,
Feliz and Charles (the surviving servant's son) took in travelers
awaiting ferry passage to Biloxi. When Charles became heir, he
subdivided the strip. On one lot the two-room Back Bay School was
erected in 1875; on another, Sacred Heart Church was constructed
in 1884; on a third, St. Theresa Parochial School in 1927. The old
chapel on the Bay became a convent and the remains of the old
home the rectory. In 1910. the chapel cross was discovered in the
old Sanchez garden area. Some believe Le Moyne's expedition left
it there as a marker. Three times crosses have been posted at
the old chapel site, commemorating the French visit of 1699 and
the
chapel.
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