Fort Maurepas was a French fort established in 1699 near present-day Ocean Springs, Mississippi. It served as the first European settlement in the region and was part of France's efforts to explore and colonize the Gulf Coast. The fort was named after Jacques-Nicolas Bellot de Maurepas, a French minister. The fort was constructed primarily for military and trading purposes, providing a base for French expeditions. However, it was abandoned in 1702 due to conflicts with local Native American tribes and logistical challenges. Today, the site is recognized for its historical significance in early American colonial history.