Gulfport Mississippi

History and Background on Gulfport Mississippi. The hometown of our guest in the most recent interview.

Gulfport Mississippi was originally founded as a small port city along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Since its founding, it has grown into the second-largest city in the state of Mississippi serving as an important piece in the culture and economy of the Gulf Coast.

The area around Gulfport was originally home to many native tribes such as the Biloxi and Pascagoula tribes. European settlement was scarce in this area with the largest settlements taking place closer to the Mississippi River. It was not until 1887 that Gulfport was formally founded by William Hardy who was the president of the Gulf and Ship Island Railroad. This was key to the development of Gulfport as a port city with the incorporation of a railroad to transport goods across the southern United States and beyond.

During the Second World War Gulfport served as a key shipping and training center for the U.S. war effort. With the addition of an airfield to the city to help train bomber pilots that would go on to be key in the effort to retake Nazi Germany. Post-war this airport would open up to the public allowing many people come to visit the Gulf Coast, especially the casinos in and around Gulfport. Allowing the city to become quite successful and a great place to live.

Today Gulfport is a vibrant city with many new successful hotels and businesses. With many people continuing to visit Gulfport and the surrounding communities to fish and enjoy the coast. The future is bright for the city, and much new development is occurring.