[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 44 (Tuesday, March 18, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E403]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  315TH BIRTHDAY OF THE CITY OF BILOXI

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. STEVEN M. PALAZZO

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 18, 2014

  Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the City of 
Biloxi, Mississippi on the occasion of its 315th birthday.
  In 1699, the first permanent settlement in French Louisiana was 
founded at Fort Maurepas and referred to as Old Biloxi. Following the 
Seven Years War, Great Britain took control of the city, ruling until 
1779, before the Spanish took over for the next nine years. The city 
came under the control of the United States in 1811 as part of the 
Mississippi Territory, and finally under the State of Mississippi in 
1817.
  Over the last 315 years, Biloxi has grown and prospered. It quickly 
became a tourist destination, famous for the Biloxi lighthouse that is 
a beacon of the Gulf Coast. The addition of Keesler Air Force Base 
during World War II was the beginning of Biloxi as a true military 
town, a tradition that continues to this day.
  Most importantly, Biloxi is a community in every sense of the word. 
Despite being ravaged by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and again by the BP 
oil spill in 2010, Biloxi came together as a community and is stronger 
than ever.
  Today, Biloxi is well-known for its beautiful beaches, world-class 
seafood, thriving gaming industry, and wonderful people. I am proud to 
call the City of Biloxi my home.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to 
honor the City of Biloxi and its citizens for its 315 years of 
community and citizenship. May God continue to bless it for many years 
to come.

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