Gulfport is the second largest city in Mississippi after Jackson, the state capital, as well as one of two county seats for Harrison County, the other being Biloxi. When the area was first settled sometimes prior to 1840, the community was known as Mississippi City, now a suburb in east Gulfport, which was the Harrison County seat from 1841 to 1902. Gulfport itself was incorporated in 1898 by William H. Hardy, president of the Gulf and Ship Railroad. In 1902, the harbor was completed and Gulfport became a working seaport, which still contributes greatly to the economic stability of the city. Gulfport’s post office, constructed in 1910, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1969, Gulfport was struck hard by Hurricane Camille, and by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which flooded much of the city, gutting the Gulfport Public Library. The area has a humid subtropical climate that is heavily moderated by the Gulf of Mexico, resulting in short, relatively warm winters, and long hot summers. Relying upon its nearly seven miles of sand beaches and tropical weather, Gulfport has become a tourist destination, and home to several casinos, restaurants, and cultural events. Built during the War of Northern Aggression, Fort Massachusetts is a fort on Ship Island along the Mississippi Coast. Union troops occupied the island, using the fort as a staging ground in its assault on New Orleans. The fort is accessible by a ferry that runs twice in the morning and twice in the evening. Several military installations are located at the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport, including the US Navy, US Army, US Coast Guard, and Mississippi National Guard. Surrounding communities include Biloxi to the east, Long Beach and Pass Christian to the west, and Orange Grove and Lyman to the north.
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Recommended Resources
Clayton Homes of Gulfport, Mississippi builds, sells and buys homes in the Gulfport region. Available new homes are highlighted, including available floor plans and other features, photographic tours of its homes, and information for those who have homes available for sale. Its office location and hours are featured.
http://www.claytongulfport.com/
The official municipal web site offers news and public notices, job openings, meeting agendas and minutes, ordinances, capital projects, a city phone directory, and an overview of city services and facilities. Online services include a city newsletter, service requests, and the ability to pay water bills, court fees, and license renewals through the site.
http://www.gulfport-ms.gov/
Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport
GPT was constructed in 1942 to train B-25 and B-29 flight crews for World War II, and ownership of the airfield was transferred to the City of Gulfport, Mississippi in 1949. Airport operations, statistics, financials, and its community relations programs and policies are outlined. Fares may be located through the site, and flights may be tracked.
http://www.flygpt.com/
Humane Society of South Mississippi
The independent, non-profit organization operates a 40,000 square-foot facility in Gulfport, Mississippi, which is highlighted here, along with its annual statistics, animals available for adoption, and information about its foster programs, pay and neuter programs, owner support policies, and an online shopping area, as well as a calendar of events.
https://www.hssm.org/
Mississippi State Port Authority at Golfport
The Port of Gulfport is strategically located in Gulfport, Mississippi, on the Gulf of Mexico, offering easy access to open ocean waters through an 18-mile ship channel. Its terminals, rail, trucking and warehousing facilities are highlighted, along with port tours, sponsorships, management, and procurement services.
http://www.shipmspa.com/
