Biloxi is the oldest city on the Gulf Coast, and with the advent of dockside gaming, it has become one of the fastest growing as well. From its early days as a shrimping and fishing village, Biloxi has blossomed into one of the top tourist destinations in the country. It’s also home to Keesler Air Force Base, a huge contributor to the local economy.
Like other communities on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Biloxi has a colorful history. Founded in 1699 by French explorers and named for the Indians who first lived there, Biloxi was governed by France, Great Britian and Spain before joining the Mississippi Territory in 1811.
From the start, its location on the Gulf of Mexico provided the foundation for the city’s economy. The earliest European settlers subsisted by fishing and farming. The city’s first seafood cannery opened in 1881. Just 20 years later, Biloxi was the Seafood Capital of the World. In the 19th century, Biloxi developed as a resort community known for its fine waterfront hotels.
Casino gaming, legalized in the early 1990s, made Biloxi a major player in the tourism and gaming industries. Waterfront casinos have invigorated the city’s economy, helping fund public works projects, creating new jobs in tourism, hospitality and construction, and building the foundation for continued prosperity.
To keep pace with the city’s rapid growth, Biloxi’s leaders have aggressively pursued improvements in infrastructure, recreation, education, historic preservation and public safety.
For more information, visit the City of Biloxi’s website at www.biloxi.ms.us.
