Biloxi, Coastal city in Harrison County, Mississippi, US
Biloxi sits on the Gulf Coast in Harrison County, Mississippi, stretching along a series of sandy beaches and waterways. Much of the waterfront is lined with hotels, gaming venues, and restaurants, while residential neighborhoods and smaller commercial streets spread behind the coastal strip.
French colonists founded the settlement in 1720 as one of the first European outposts on the Gulf of Mexico. The town evolved into a beach resort in the 19th century and later became a center for oyster harvesting before gaming halls rose to prominence in the second half of the 20th century.
The roots as a fishing town remain visible along the Back Bay docks, where shrimp trawlers tie up at wooden piers. Many residents preserve recipes that combine French and Creole cooking techniques with regional seafood.
Beach access is available at several points along Beach Boulevard, with public parking available within walking distance. A stroll along the waterfront promenade offers views of the open water and passes various dining options.
The cast-iron lighthouse from 1848 ranks among the first of its kind in the American South and has withstood several major storms without major damage. Its position in the middle of Beach Boulevard seems unusual because the road was laid out decades after construction.
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