First European Settlement – Biloxi was the first lasting European settlement in French Louisiana, established in 1699 by Pierre Le Moyne D’Iberville, and the name comes from the local Biloxi Native American tribe.
Lighthouse Legend – The iconic Biloxi Lighthouse was built in Baltimore, Maryland, and shipped south, where it was completed in May 1848.
Historic Capital – For a short time in the early 1700s, Biloxi was the capital of the Louisiana Territory before the seat was moved inland to New Orleans.
Seafood Capital – In the 1920s, Biloxi was known as the “Seafood Capital of the World,” famous for its fresh Gulf seafood.
Hurricane Survivor – The cast-iron Biloxi Lighthouse has survived 21 hurricanes since its construction in 1847.
Mardi Gras Origins – Mardi Gras in Biloxi was first celebrated on March 3, 1699, by D’Iberville and his men, making it one of the oldest Mardi Gras traditions in the New World.
Longest Man-Made Beach – Biloxi and Harrison County boast the longest man-made beach in the world, stretching 26 miles along the Gulf Coast.
Military Hub – Keesler Air Force Base, the largest electronics training center in the world, is located in Biloxi.
Cultural Diversity – The city is known for its rich cultural diversity, with Vietnamese, African American, and other communities contributing to its food, festivals, and traditions.
Historic Hotel – The Magnolia Hotel, built in 1847, is the oldest hotel still standing on the Mississippi Coast
