This thesis examines the circumstances under which historic architectural resources were demolished in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. A brief history of three hurricane-related natural disasters in the United States addresses the political, economic, and social impacts post-disaster. Three case studies provide scenarios in which preservationists successfully, and unsuccessfully, collaborated in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina to protect historic architectural resources on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. An analysis of factors that led to demolitions, the roles played by different levels of government and preservationists, and strategies that worked and did not work to prevent demolitions are also presented.