Mississippi barrier islands designated Underground Railroad sites

Two barrier islands off the coast of Mississippi have been recognized as sites of historical significance in the Underground Railroad network.
Documentation uncovered by researchers with the National Park Service found that freedom seekers in Mississippi traveled to these islands during the Civil War to enlist with the U.S. Navy to escape slavery. Records from 1861 show the first recorded freedom seeker reached Ship Island that year to enlist with the U.S. Navy. At least eight other men journeyed from Moss Point, Mississippi, to Horn Island in December 1863. Records show they also enlisted…