Biloxi, Mississippi

Built in 1848, the Biloxi Lighthouse is the only lighthouse in the United States to stand in the middle of a four-lane highway.  The 64-foot-tall lighthouse took a beating from multiple weather events over the years. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina made a big impact after much of the structure was damaged by the winds, which toppled many bricks that lined the interior of the cast iron tower. The storm’s winds also broke many of the windows in the light cupola and destroyed the structure’s electrical system.  After the community raised the $400,000 needed for repairs, the lighthouse re-opened in March of 2010. 

You can login to view a live feed along U.S. 90 from the top of the Biloxi Lighthouse. 

The Old Brick House was built around 1850 as a modest family home by John Henley, a former sheriff and mayor of Biloxi. The house is situated on Back Bay in Biloxi and is built on property acquired by Jean Baptiste Carquotte from the Spanish government as a land grant in 1784. The stout, brick construction allowed the structure to survive through 155 years of hurricanes and storm surges.  However it was heavily damaged by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the house was restored and re-dedicated in 2011.  This house is one of the oldest buildings in Biloxi.

We got Gatored in the bayou

Who's that hiding in the bushes?

The Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1975.  The crane population, at that time only 30-35 birds.  Currently there are approximately 130 birds. Through captive rearing and reintroduction to the area as well as wild birds nesting in the savannas, the crane population continues to grow.

Unlike other Sandhill Crane species the Mississippi Sandhill Crane is a non-migratory bird.

A pair of cranes mate for life.  In the wild they live between 20 to 25 years.

Hurricane Katrina Memorial

Red - Katrina's water level

Blue - Camille's water level

Delicious seafood dinner at Half Shell