A hip-roofed galleried cottage that illustrated the importance of Biloxi as a summer home for New Orleans residents whose wealth was based on cotton speculation. The Gillis House served as the summer home of the families of New Orleans cotton factors from 1838 ro 1927. Originally listed on the National Register on 17 May 1973, from documentation compiled by Ron Miller. Having lost its registration status upon being moved in 1977, it was re-listed on 7 July 1978. Rehabilitated using HPF grants of $20,000 awarded in 1977 and $35,000 awarded in 1978. Designated a Mississippi Landmark on 6 December 1985. It was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina on 29 August 2005. This building is included in "The Buildings of Biloxi" (1976) (pp. 121-122) and "Historic Architecture in Mississippi" (p. 91). [HABS: MS-154 (1940/1978): photo and measured drawings] |