Biloxi Transit and City Facts

Location
Biloxi (bi-LUHK-see) is an Indian word meaning 'First People.' With a population of 46,319, Biloxi is located on the Mississippi Gulf Coast in Harrison County. Biloxi is halfway between Mobile, Alabama, to the east, and New Orleans, Louisiana to the west, and is located on a small peninsula between Biloxi Bay and an arm of the Gulf of Mexico known as the Mississippi Sound.

Transportation to and around Biloxi.
The Gulfport/Biloxi airport is served by most major airlines and features many direct flights from major U.S. cities. For road transportation, I-10 provides a rapid East/West byway, while the more scenic Highway 90 provides a pretty coastal drive. Interstate 85/65 and I-55 both provide access from points North and South of Biloxi. For rail travel, Amtrak's Sunset Limited line runs between the East and West coasts with a stop in Biloxi.

Climate.
With a warm coastal climate featuring an average temperature of 68 degrees, it's no wonder that Biloxi hosts 4 million visitors every year! It has been a popular resort destination since before the Civil War, as visitors appreciate Biloxi's warm air and refreshing coastal breezes. Biloxi provides ideal conditions for fishing, visiting the beach, sightseeing, recreation or just catching some rays.

History.
Incorporated as a town in 1838 and as a city in 1896, Biloxi has a long and rich history dating all the way back to the 17^th century. As the first European settlement in the lower Mississippi Valley, the original Old Biloxi (which was located across the bay) was founded by the French in 1699. Since then, the city has lived under eight flags: French, English, Spanish, West Florida Republic, Mississippi Magnolia, Confederate States, Mississippi State and United States. In 1999, Biloxi proudly celebrated her Tri-centennial, or 300^th birthday.

Mardi Gras. Biloxi has a rich history of Mardi Gras celebrations dating back to 1908, and this tradition is carried on today in full force. Even if you are not visiting during the Mardi Gras festivities, be sure to visit the Mardi Gras Museum to see costumes and exhibits about this especially Southern tradition.

Buried pirates' treasure. Rumor has it that pirates' booty is hidden both in and around the city of Biloxi, as well as on Cat Island, just off the Gulf Coast.

World-class seafood industry. Biloxi is known the world over for her fishing fleet, shrimp trawling, seafood processing and even for the production of world famous fishing nets and boat sails. Biloxi is called the 'Seafood Capital of the World' and is one of the world's largest oyster and shrimp canneries.

Root Beer: Biloxi Barq's sweet gift to the world. If you're a root beer lover, you'll be interested to know that Biloxi is the home of root beer, invented in 1898 by the town's own Edward Adolf Barq, Sr.