About The Mississippi Gulf Coast

General Information

Biloxi, MS, is a city rich in history and tradition, yet modern and progressive-a city with a bright future.

Biloxi -meaning " First People" in the Indian language - is a blend of many cultures and influences which have dominated its growth. Eight flags have flown over Biloxi : French, English, Spanish, Republic of West Florida, Magnolia State, Confederate, State of Mississippi and the United States of America.

Charming old homes portray Biloxi's rich heritage. The Old Brick House, on Bayview Avenue on Biloxi's Back Bay, was built in the early 1800s. The Old French House, just off Highway 90, has preserved the colorful atmosphere of the past. Some say it was built in 1737, but it can definitely be traced back to 1835-36. It is similar in design to standard New Orleans architecture and now serves the coast as one of it most picturesque restaurants.

Tullis Manor, built in 1856, was a wedding gift to the wife of Christoval Toledano, a New Orleans cotton broker. Officially designated the summer home of the governor of Mississippi, it has been fully restored and furnished with antiques from the 1850's and is open to the public.

Ship Island, 12 miles offshore, has played a vital role in the history of the Gulf Coast. The island's sun-drenched beach witnessed early French explorers and settlers, swashbuckling pirates of Jean Lafitte and the English Armada of General Pachenham during the battle of New Orleans.

Fort Massachusetts, on the western tip of Ship Island was begun in the late 1850's by the U.S. Government. During the Civil War, Confederate troops took control of the Island, only to have it recaptured by Union Troops who used it as a prison for the remainder of the War.

The Jefferson Davis home, better known as Beauvoir, dates back to 1854, and is Biloxi's most revered memorial and historical site. Here, the only president of the Confederacy lived the last 12 years of his life. Overlooking the Mississippi sound, the home has been lovingly restored with most of the original Davis furnishing. Preserved and operated under the auspices of the United sons of the confederate Veterans, Beauvoir is visited by thousands each year.

A library, summer cottage and Confederate cemetery are also maintained on the grounds. At one time a Confederate hospital, Beauvoir now houses a collection of documents and artifacts from the War Between the States.

The famous Biloxi Lighthouse, in the median of Highway 90, has stood since 1848. Seafarers have been guided by its bright welcoming beacon since the days of the graceful sailing schooners.

To get acquainted with Ocean Springs, one must first discover the rich history and tradition that lie within the city of today. The quiet oak lined streets and the serene atmosphere of Ocean Springs date back back more than 295 years.

The Landing of D'Iberville 1699.

The Landing of Pierre LeMoyne D'Iberville in 1699. D'Iberville stepped ashore and established the first permanent settlement for France in the vast central area of North America.

The Area began growing in the early 1800s with the advent of paddle wheel steamboats which ran between New Orleans and Mobil. During this period of development, the beach front became alive with visitors from far away. Guests could depart from a steamboat on the wharf and traverse half a block up Jackson Avenue to a hotel for lodging and food.

In 1854, the name of Ocean Springs was coined by Dr. George W. Austin, a New Orleans physician who established a sanitarium to take advantage of the health-giving springs that contained medicinal qualities to cure all types of ailments.

After the end of the Civil War, the age of the railroad system came along and became the primary mode of transportation. The train whistle replaced the steamboat whistle as a sound of prosperity. On November 21, 1870, freight and passenger railroad services were opened between Mobile and New Orleans.

In 1880 the Louis & Nashville Railroad (L&N) took over the line. As the resort era came to an end, the present day L&N Depot was built in 1907 and it soon became the hub of the town's activities.

Today, Ocean Springs is a thriving Gulf Coast Community with the charm of historical homes, winding landes and peaceful trees the shade its past. Passenger steamboats no longer ply the Mississippi Sound, but visitors continue to come to the pleasant bluff on the Bay of Biloxi tha D'Iberville so wisely selected for his fort. The charm of Ocean Springs still works is spell. Many stay on. Others return in later years to make it their home.

Visit the Mississippi Vietnam Veterans Memorial Built in 1996, located next to the Ocean Springs Civic Center, 3730 Bienville Blvd. (Hwy 90), Ocean Springs, MS. No admission fee.

Ocean Springs Community Center

Gulf Islands National Seashore nature trail

The Historic Ocean Springs Association (HOSA)
maintains and provides for Marshall Park as
well as Many other fine community projects

Getting Here

If you drive to Biloxi, you will most likely travel on Interstate 10. Signs on the interstate will direct you to the I-110 spur that leads to Biloxi. Exit I-110 at U.S. 90.