The Massacre Island Secret Society was born on Dauphin Island during the pandemic year, 2021. While everything was being canceled, MISS was created. It was a pirate organization that embraced pirates and explorers and natives and settlers and all the parts of the colorful and complicated history of South Alabama’s barrier island. “When the pandemic happened, we were kind of left to our own devices, and we had a little extra time on our hands,” the founder of MISS said. On an island, that kind of spare time can lead to trouble. Or something really creative.
This wholly unique organization, named after Dauphin Island’s first moniker, earned after the grisly sight of open burial mounds led the French explorers to believe some terrible massacre had happened there. On the night of Feb. 6, 2021, MISS gathered on the island and put on a foot procession that had fire and smoke and drums and hooded cloaks and period costumes and so much more. The next year, MISS added several elaborate wagons that furthered the historical feel.
In 2026, MISS rolls on Sunday, Feb. 1, at 6:30 p.m. Their ball is at Fort Gaines.
In 2025, MISS rolled on Feb. 16, at 6:30 p.m. Their ball was at Fort Gaines.
