History
Welcome to Biloxi, Mississippi, the Gulf Coast’s most progressive and exciting community. Established in 1699 by Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville as part of French Louisiana, Biloxi boasts over 300 years of colorful history, making it one of the oldest established cities in the country. Although it has been a territory of both Britain (1763 – 1779) and Spain (1779 – 1798), the French influence on the character of the city is especially evident.
With Ship Island’s capture by Union forces at the beginning of the Civil War, Biloxi did not play an important role or suffer any significant damage. Following the Civil War, it became a vacation spot for those in nearby New Orleans and enjoyed a new influx of immigrants who helped shape the current seafood industry.
Keesler Air Force Base was established in Biloxi during WWII, bringing with it even more diversity. KAFB is now the largest employer in Biloxi with an annual economic impact of well over a billion dollars
In 1992, legalized gaming came to Biloxi, transforming a small tourist and seafood town into the first-class gaming destination it is today. Biloxi is home to nine of the twelve casino resorts on the Mississippi Gulf Coast!
Myriad attractions tell the story of Biloxi’s historically rich past. Be sure to visit Beauvoir, the last home of Jefferson Davis and the only President of the Confederacy; the Biloxi Lighthouse, built in 1848 and one of the most photographed attractions in the south; Fort Massachusetts, located on beautiful Ship Island and part of Gulf Islands National Seashore; the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, where you can see unique pottery by turn of the century artisan, George Ohr; and the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum, which traces the story of how Biloxi once reigned as the Seafood Capital of the World.
Spend a day relaxing on 26 miles of beautiful beach or take a trip on a local charter boat where you can catch over 200 varieties of local fish. If golf is your game, the Mississippi Gulf Coast boasts golf courses designed by some of the best in the business: Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Davis Love III, Mark McCumber, Jerry Pate, and Tom Fazio.
Parades celebrate every event from Mardi Gras to Christmas. Enjoy the Blessing of the Fleet, Christmas on the Water, or visit one of the casino resorts for top-rated entertainment. The choice is yours!
