Explore Biloxi, Mississippi, in an RVshare RV Rental
While people have lived in the Biloxi, Mississippi region for at least 10,000 years, the city's modern history began in 1697 when Comte de Pontchartrain, French Secretary of State for the marine, gave Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville orders to find the mouth of the Mississippi River. On February 13, 1697, d'Iberville landed near Biloxi where Native Americans greeted him warmly. For the next 100 years, the area belonged to France, England, and Spain as land trades occurred. In 1810, the area became part of the Republic of West Florida, but that period lasted less than 2.5 months. The city was incorporated in 1838, and a decade later, workers built the Biloxi Lighthouse.
Biloxi ceded from the United States in 1868, and Jefferson Davis became president of the Confederate States of America. You can visit his final home, Beauvoir, while in Biloxi. He wrote "The Rise and Fall of the Confederate Government" while living in this home that he loved for its beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico and the Mississippi Sound. Learn more about his life and enjoy the beautiful views when you visit this location.
In 1881, Lopez, Elmer, and Company became the first seafood cannery in Biloxi; four more companies soon followed. By 1920, the city was called the Seafood Capital of the World, and there were more than 40 seafood canneries. Learn more about this city's fabulous seafood at the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum. After your visit, be sure to taste the area's delicious seafood for yourself at Shaggy's Biloxi Beach, McElroy's Harbor House, and The Reef.
When Mississippi state legislators approved dockside gambling in 1992, Biloxi became a popular place to gamble. The Isle of Capri opened on August 1, 1992, and The President Casino and the Biloxi Belle opened a few weeks later. While initially, all gambling had to occur on the water, after Hurricane Katrina wiped out the Gulf Coast in 2005, state officials changed the law so that gambling could occur within 800 feet of the shoreline.
Events in and Near Biloxi, Mississippi
Our Lady of the Gulf - This July festival features crab and lots of fun family activities.
Biloxi Seafood Festival – Arts, crafts, family games, and dancing all happen during this September festival, but the biggest draw is eating all types of seafood.
Gulfport Anchor Fest – Head to Jones Park in Gulfport dressed as a pirate to participate in this family-friendly September festival that also features the chance to see many boats.
Zonta Arts and Crafts Festival – Visit over 300 arts and craft vendors, listen to live music, and play games at this October festival in downtown Pascagoula.
Piney Woods Heritage Festival – Learn traditional crafts like basket making and watch reenactments at this October festival at the Crosby Arboretum in Picayune.
