The Old Brick House: A Biloxi Treasure That Withstood Time and Storms
The Old Brick House, perched on the banks of Back Bay in Biloxi, Mississippi, is more than just a historic structure—it is a living symbol of resilience, heritage, and community pride. Known for a time as the Biloxi Garden Center, the home has endured over 170 years of storms, neglect, and renewal, emerging today as one of Biloxi’s oldest and most beloved landmarks.
Early Origins
The property on which the Old Brick House stands has deep roots in Gulf Coast history. In 1784, Jean Baptiste Carquotte received the land from the Spanish government through a land grant, decades before Mississippi became a state. Nearly seventy years later, John Henley, a prominent Biloxi figure who served as both sheriff and mayor, built the modest home around 1850.
Henley’s construction choices reflected both practicality and foresight. He used heart-pine lumber for the flooring and laid the outer walls with three layers of solid brick. This sturdy craftsmanship allowed the home to withstand over a century and a half of hurricanes and storm surges that claimed many other coastal buildings.
From Neglect to Community Treasure
By the mid-20th century, the Old Brick House had fallen into disrepair. What could have been a sad end for this antebellum home instead became a story of revival. Local Biloxi Garden Clubs stepped in during the 1950s to salvage the building, recognizing its historic and cultural value.
The City of Biloxi eventually acquired the property, transforming it into both a museum and a venue for receptions, community meetings, and public gatherings. This decision ensured the Old Brick House would continue serving the people of Biloxi not just as a relic, but as a vibrant part of community life.
Recognition and Protection
The home’s historical significance was formally recognized when it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. Later, in 1987, it gained further protection as a Mississippi Landmark, safeguarding its place in the state’s cultural landscape.
Hurricane Katrina and Restoration
Like much of Biloxi’s coastline, the Old Brick House faced its greatest challenge during Hurricane Katrina in 2005. A devastating storm surge of nearly seven feet collapsed the home’s rear wall and inundated the structure with water. Many feared the Old Brick House, after surviving so much, might finally be lost.
But the story did not end there. Through careful planning, community effort, and historical preservation expertise, the house was meticulously restored. The goal was not just to repair, but to return the structure to its historical accuracy.
In 2011, the restored home was re-dedicated. At that time, it was noted as one of only two antebellum homes still standing in Biloxi, a rare survivor and a reminder of both the fragility and strength of Gulf Coast history.
The Old Brick House Today
Today, the Old Brick House stands as a proud testament to Biloxi’s enduring spirit. It is more than a building—it is a story of resilience, connecting modern residents and visitors with the city’s 18th- and 19th-century roots.
From its beginnings as John Henley’s family home, through its near ruin and revival by local clubs, to its survival of one of the most destructive hurricanes in U.S. history, the Old Brick House continues to welcome the community.
For visitors, it is not only a chance to explore one of the oldest homes in Biloxi but also to reflect on how history, heritage, and community effort can keep the past alive for future generations.
622 Bayview Ave, Biloxi 39530