History

With the French beachhead established at present day Ocean Springs in April 1699 by French Canadian Pierre Le Moyne, Sieur d’Iberville, King Louis XIV of France had the physical presence to defend the Louisiana claim of Rene’ Robert Cavalier, Sieur de La Salle, who explored the Gulf outlet of the Mississippi River and claimed it and all the territory it drained for France. He named the land Louisiana in honor of his king. d’Iberville built Fort Maurepas on a peninsula on the east shore of the Bay of Biloxi. French operations were conducted from the deep water anchorage at Ship Island. In early 1702, the French relocated their colony from Ocean Springs to the Mobile Bay area. After the harbor at Dauphin Island was obliterated by a hurricane in 1717, the French moved the capital of Louisiana back to the site of Fort Maurepas on Biloxi Bay in 1719. This settlement was removed to present day Biloxi in 1720, which was near the Biloxi Lighthouse and afforded easier access from Ship Island. "New Biloxi" was essentially abandoned after the capital of Louisiana was moved to New Orleans in 1722.

Why you should go

Biloxi is part of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, which offers a variety of seasonal festivals and events, casinos, championship golf, charter fishing, miles of beaches, eco-tourism and an array of restaurants. Among other attractions are the Gulf Island Water Park (seasonal), the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, Ship Island excursions and Beauvoir, Jefferson Davis' home.

Main attractions

* Casinos: With many casinos to choose from, there is a array of fun, whether you are feeling lucky, want to dine in an upscale restaurant or see big-name entertainment. There are also full-service spas and shopping opportunities. www.gulfcoast.org/casinos/

* Golf: The Gulf Coast offers you a choice of more than 20 golf courses, many of them created by the top designers in the world – Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Davis Love III, Mark McCumber and Tom Fazio. With so many courses to choose from, there is something for every skill level and every budget. http://www.gulfcoast.org/golf/ or www.golfcoast.com

* Beaches: The Mississippi Gulf Coast is home to the world's longest man-made beach, 26 miles. Driving along U.S. Highway 90 (Beach Boulevard), you will see expanses of beach for your enjoyment dotted with harbors and beach vendors. Most of the lodging, dining and attractions are located north of Highway 90, so you will find mostly beaches with a few restaurants and lodging facilities directly on the beach. http://www.gulfcoast.org/visitors/attractions/beaches-and-harbor-activities/

* Beauvoir, home of Jefferson Davis: The president of the Confederate States of America wrote his memoirs here. The 51-acre antebellum estate, fronting the Gulf of Mexico, was also once the site of the Mississippi Confederate soldier’s home, which cared for hundreds of Southern veterans and their wives. The beautifully restored Beauvoir house dominates the sprawling complex that includes a gift shop, historic cemetery, the Tomb of the Unknown Confederate Soldier and the magnificent view of the Mississippi Sound. www.beauvoir.org

Getting there

It takes about six hours to cover the 390 miles from downtown Atlanta. Flights are available to Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport.

Helpful websites

* www.gulfcoast.org

* www.biloxi.ms.us

* www.seesouthms.com

* Chamber of Commerce: www.biloxi.org

* Gulf Coast Chamber: www.mscoastchamber.org