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More than one million people in Mississippi were affected by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and 49 counties were declared federal disaster areas. As devastating as the hurricane was, there’s as with everything there’s a silver lining. In the years before Katrina many of the coastal communities had been stuck. They had lost their neighborhood structures, and in some cases the only attractions were the large, hulking casinos on barges in the bay that were taking over. Because nearly everything needed to be rebuilt in some places, the opportunity to do it better was presented.
Sadly, many of the historic buildings and homes of the region were lost to the storm. Many others were slated for demolition however the Mississippi Heritage Trust worked on a stabilization program to rehab the buildings instead of destroy them and ultimately won $26 million in federal funds for repairs.
One of these buildings was the Beauvoir House, the home of Jefferson Davis, president of the Confederacy. Even more historic, but perhaps not as famous, homes have been stabilized and repaired through the program, helping to retain the cultural history of the region.
Casinos were on floating barges pre-Katrina due to state regulations however post-Katrina the laws have changed and they are now onshore. This provided a boost the economy needed in its rebuilding days. Visitors who want to stay and play are treated to high class offerings at destinations like the Beau Rivage Resort and Casino.
If you prefer to be outdoors there are numerous fishing charters offering something you can’t find everywhere. Because of its unique geographical position there is freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing, and brackish (the not freshwater-not saltwater) fishing and over 200 species can be caught! Eco-tours and boat tours of the bayous are a great way to experience the
natural beauty of the state.
Golf is also a big sport here- they even call it the “Golf Coast.” Over 20 courses are on the Gulf coast and are open year-round. While many were damaged during Katrina, they’ve bounced back and in many cases made their courses even better. With sixty—two miles of shoreline, including Beach Boulevard, the twenty-six mile stretch right off Highway 90, you won’t have any problem finding a spot to pull up your chair and umbrella.
A string of barrier islands exist off the coast. This means many of the stronger waves don’t come to shore, however if you’re looking for surf, head out to the islands to catch the waves! There is a boat cruise available to the Gulf Islands National Seashore where you can enjoy the Gulf waters.
While Hurricane Katrina devastated the area, it’s safe to say that the Gulf Coast of Mississippi is making a comeback, and it’s better than ever!
It is hard to believe that it has been a decade ago since Hurricane Katrina wrecked havoc on the area. It is so heartwarming that people are starting to rebuild and get on with their lives again.
I am going to Mississippi next summer and I am kind of excited because I have never been there. I hope I am close enough to the coast to check it out.
I haven’t explored the gulf coast has much as I want to since moving here in 2006. I always enjoy your posts about this area. You show me new places I didn’t know existed.
Beautiful. What history and culture. I would love to visit the gulf someday. I love your photos.
What beautiful pictures! I would love to visit Mississippi sometime! Thanks for sharing!
My mom went there a few years after the hurricane and was amazed how well the area looked. I”m so glad to see the area recovered so well. I have lived in a flood zone most of my life and now live in Florida. So, I have seen devastation Mother Nature can bring.
I have never travel so far south into Mississippi one day. I enjoy reading your blog post what a beautiful state rich in history and cultural……Have to visit now.
I have never been to Mississippi before. I would love to check out the historic buildings sometime though.
Considering that this is a good place for golf, I think the boyfriend wouldn’t mind taking a trip there. The water would be my main attraction!
Great to see it’s coming back once again. Love to know that Mississippi is ok now.
It’s good to know that the people there are getting back on their feet and starting to rebuild. It’s too bad that so many families were affected and all the historical places were wiped out.
The beachfront is so lovely, I can stay there and bask in the sun all afternoon. This is such a great place to visit!
What a lovely photo!! I love the beaches, I’d love to visit there one day with my family and I’m sure they’re would love it.
What an awesome history! i would love to visit gulf someday, thanks for this post
I was living in the Keys during Katrina and saw how it devastated the Gulf Coast Region (we were spared the worst of the storm). We saw what happened to New Orleans and other areas. I’m so glad they are coming back. It’s such a beautiful area I couldn’t imagine it gone forever.
It looks like they rebuilt it to be a beautiful place. It sounds like the coast is a great place to bring the kids since the barrier islands prevent huge waves from coming up.
What a beautiful place, so sad what happened. My aunt lives down there and she was telling us so many stories.