1901

The initial site visit. The Branigar Brothers out of Chicago discovered a property site tucked among live oaks located along Fort Bayou. It was then that they began to envision a “resort like no other” on the Coast.

1927

The Branigar Bothers successfully open the Gulf Hills Resort, complete with 66 fashionable guest rooms, a first-rate, 18-hole golf course, The Pink Pony Clubhouse, 13 waterfront villas, and even a marina. Guests were invited to climb aboard and enjoy a picturesque sunset sail on The Dixie Queen moored behind the hotel.

1950

In 1950, the Gulf Hills Hotel became Mississippi’s first working “Dude Ranch.” During the 1950s & 60s, the 700-acre ranch became very popular and included activities like moonlit rides, campfire songs, and picnic lunches.

1951

Elvis Presley began frequenting the Gulf Hills Resort. He enjoyed staying in Villa #9 for its privacy, security, and views. He also loved visiting the property’s lounge, The Pink Pony. There he would play the piano and relax with a cocktail. The property’s seclusion and privacy drew many famous (& infamous) figures, and many believe that the resort was developed for the entertainment of Chicago crime figure Al Capone, who actually owned property in the area.

1962

The long time owners & power couple, Dick and Gladys Waters, sell Gulf Hills bringing about the end of an era.

1969

Hurricane Camille passes through, causing massive damage all along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. At Gulf Hills, Camille destroyed most of the original, waterfront villas, including Elvis’s beloved Villa #9.

1974

Just as the property was starting to recover from Hurricane Camille’s devastation, the hotel is ravaged by a fire of unknown origin.

2021

Gulf Hills Hotel + Resort enters a new era when the new owners purchased the historic property and begin planning property wide renovations.

2023

Phase I of renovations is completed and the hotel celebrates the beginning of a new chapter in its long history on the MS Gulf Coast.