Pascagoula celebrates state bicentennial

The top is now shut on a time capsule not to be opened for another 50 years in Pascagoula. The community had an official burial in honor of Mississippi’s bicentennial and Pascagoula city history Friday.
A time capsule showcasing what life was like in Pascagoula in 2017 is now in the ground after state officials, city leaders, and members of the community gathered at Lighthouse Park to celebrate Mississippi’s bicentennial.
Mississippi officially became a state December 10th, 1817. Organizers thought it was important to celebrate all the milestones Pascagoula has accomplished since Mississippi became the 20th state to join the Union. Bicentennial Committee member Richard Lucas said, “We wanted to show that we felt good about the fact that when Mississippi became a state, Pascagoula, Jackson County, the entire Coast, was a really big part of that.”
The time capsule will not be opened for another 50 years. Some of what was put in was city artifacts, documents, Mississippi quarters and stamps, Barbie, Star Wars dolls, a pair of solar eclipse glasses, and a scroll with more than 2,000 signatures and messages from Pascagoula residents. “I said something along the line of about my family and how we loved it here,” said Lucas.
After the ceremony, everyone hopped on the trolley for a historical ride throughout the city. Pascagoula resident Para Daugherty said, “The age of some of the houses, Orange Street, I have several friends that live on Orange Street, downtown. I’m always interested in learning something new about Pascagoula’s history.”
City officials are hoping the time capsule will give Pascagoula residents in 2068 a chance to learn something about the city’s past. Pascagoula Mayor Dane Maxwell said, “Part of what I put in there is the passion that we have for the city I hope carries on.”