Biloxi, Mississippi is a coastal city located in Harrison County, Mississippi. Situated on the Mississippi Sound of the Gulf of Mexico, it is known for its white sand beaches, maritime history, and gambling industry.
History:
Founded in 1699 by French explorer Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville, Biloxi is one of the oldest settlements in Mississippi. It has a rich history marked by periods of French, Spanish, and American rule. The city played a significant role in the Civil War and experienced rapid growth in the 20th century, particularly after the legalization of casino gambling in the 1990s.
Economy:
Biloxi’s economy primarily revolves around tourism and hospitality. The city boasts numerous casinos, resorts, and hotels attracting visitors throughout the year. Other economic sectors include:
- Seafood industry: Biloxi has a long history of fishing and seafood processing, earning it the nickname “Seafood Capital of the World” at one point.
- Healthcare: The presence of several hospitals and medical facilities contributes to the city’s economy.
- Retail and service industries: Biloxi offers a variety of retail stores, restaurants, and other service businesses catering to residents and tourists.
Culture and Attractions:
Biloxi offers a vibrant cultural scene with numerous museums, art galleries, and festivals throughout the year. The city is also known for its unique cuisine, heavily influenced by French and Creole traditions. Some of its popular attractions include:
- Beaches: Biloxi boasts several miles of public beaches, offering swimming, sunbathing, and water sports opportunities.
- Casinos: The city is a major gambling destination with numerous casinos offering a variety of games and entertainment options.
- Maritime Museums: Biloxi houses several museums dedicated to its maritime history, showcasing artifacts and exhibits related to shipbuilding, fishing, and naval warfare.
- Beau Rivage Resort and Casino: A prominent landmark on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, offering luxury accommodations, gambling, dining, and entertainment.
Challenges:
Biloxi has faced challenges in recent years, including the impact of hurricanes and the economic recession. However, the city continues to strive for revitalization and economic diversification, aiming to remain a popular tourist destination and a thriving coastal community.
Biloxi (/bɪˈlʌksi/ bih-LUK-see; French: [bilusi]) is a city in Harrison County, Mississippi, United States. It lies on the Gulf Coast in southern Mississippi, bordering the city of Gulfport to its west. The adjacent cities are both designated as seats of Harrison County. The population of Biloxi was 49,449 at the 2020 census, making it the state's 4th most populous city. It is a principal city of the Gulfport–Biloxi metropolitan area, home to 416,259 residents in 2020. The area's first European settlers were French colonists.
Biloxi, Mississippi | |
|---|---|
 The Biloxi Visitors Center and the Biloxi Lighthouse, the city's signature landmark, in November 2011 | |
 Flag  Logo | |
 Location in Harrison County and the state of Mississippi | |
| Coordinates: 30°24′43″N 88°55′40″W / 30.41194°N 88.92778°W | |
| Country |  United States |
| State |  Mississippi |
| County | Harrison |
| Incorporated | in 1838 as a township |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Andrew Gilich (R) |
| Area | |
• City | 67.71 sq mi (175.36 km2) |
| • Land | 42.94 sq mi (111.20 km2) |
| • Water | 24.77 sq mi (64.16 km2) |
| Elevation | 20 ft (6 m) |
| Population (2020) | |
• City | 49,449 |
| • Density | 1,151.69/sq mi (444.67/km2) |
| • Metro | 416,259 (US: 133rd) |
| Time zone | UTC−6 (CST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−5 (CDT) |
| ZIP Codes | 39530–39535, 39540 |
| Area code | 228 |
| FIPS code | 28-06220 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0667173 |
| Website | www |
The beachfront of Biloxi lies directly on the Mississippi Sound, with barrier islands scattered off the coast and into the Gulf of Mexico. Keesler Air Force Base lies within the city and is home to the 81st Training Wing and the 403rd Wing of the U.S. Air Force Reserve.
