Biloxi, in southeastern Mississippi, in Harrison County, on a peninsula extending into the Gulf of Mexico. It is a year-round resort and a major fishing center, shrimp and oysters being the principal catch. Manufactures include boats and fishing gear. Keesler Air Force Base is nearby. Historical attractions in the area include a home of Confederate President Jefferson Davis and, on Ship Island, a Union fort of the American Civil War (1861-1865). The city, named for the Biloxi people, is one of the oldest communities in the Mississippi Valley. The French established a settlement at Old Biloxi (now Ocean Springs), across Biloxi Bay, in 1699, and in 1719 present-day Biloxi was founded; it served as the capital of the French Louisiana Territory from 1719 to 1722. Biloxi was incorporated as a city in 1896. According to the 1990 census, whites constitute 74.6 percent of the city's population; blacks, 18.6 percent; people of Asian background, 5.7 percent; and Native Americans, 0.3 percent. Hispanics, who may also be counted among other groups, comprise 2.8 percent of the population. Population 49,311 (1980); 46,319 (1990); 47,316 (1998 estimate).Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
http://encarta.msn.com © 1997-2001 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Biloxi Information info
Find out your Home's Value - Homes for Half Price
|
