La Pointe - Krebs House and Museum

The La Pointe-Krebs House, constructed circa 1757 with expansions in c. 1762, 1790 and 1820, is not only historically significant on a local and state level, but serves as an architectural and cultural artifact on a regional and national level as well. The construction materials, methods, and alterations to the house contain useful information about the earliest non-native inhabitants of the Mississippi Valley. The house was constructed using tabby walls and floors, bousillage and timber framing. While these are all common historical materials on the Southeast coast, tabby construction is particularly rare on the Gulf Coast. The La Pointe-Krebs House may be the only extant example of tabby construction on the Gulf Coast, other than remnants of structures found at archaeological sites. In fact, the house is the oldest confirmed surviving structure of any type in the Mississippi Valley. The techniques of tabby construction vary from site to site, and those employed in the earliest construction of the La Pointe-Krebs House may also be unique.

“The La Pointe – Krebs House presents a unique view on French Colonial history, not only in Mississippi, but in the entire United States. The building withstood the ravages of time, weather, neglect, and even Formosan termites for almost 300 years, and we do not want to lose it. The La Pointe – Krebs House is an irreplaceable asset in Pascagoula…As the oldest structure in the Mississippi River Valley, the La Pointe – Krebs House and Museum is a beloved asset in our community. Over the last few years, the Foundation has worked diligently to preserve and restore the property and hopes to open regular operating hours in the near future.”
-Harry J. Blevins, Mayor of Pascagoula