Biloxi Parish, Louisiana facts for kids

Biloxi Parish was a special kind of area, like a county, that existed for a very short time in the early 1800s. It was part of the Territory of Orleans, which was a U.S. territory before Louisiana became a state.

This parish was created in 1811 from land that used to belong to Spain, known as the West Florida colony. But just one year later, in 1812, Biloxi Parish was removed. This happened in the same year that Louisiana officially became a U.S. state. The coastal lands that made up Biloxi Parish were then given to the Mississippi Territory.

Today, the area where Biloxi Parish once was is now the coastal part of the state of Mississippi. So, it was a U.S. territory area that only lasted for about one year!

What Was a Parish?

In Louisiana, a "parish" is like what most other U.S. states call a county. It's a way to divide up the state into smaller local government areas. When Biloxi Parish was created, Louisiana wasn't a state yet; it was still a "territory" controlled by the U.S. government.

A Very Short Life

Biloxi Parish was formed in 1811. This was an important time because the United States was growing and figuring out its borders, especially after getting land from other countries like Spain.

However, its existence was very brief. In 1812, when Louisiana joined the United States as a new state, the lands of Biloxi Parish were transferred. These lands, located along the Gulf of Mexico coast between the Pearl River and the Perdido River, became part of the Mississippi Territory instead. This change meant Biloxi Parish no longer existed as a separate area.

Where Was It Located?

If you look at a map today, the land that was once Biloxi Parish is now found in the coastal region of Mississippi. It's a reminder of how state and territory borders have changed over time in U.S. history.

Popular Culture

The name "Biloxi Parish" is mentioned in a song with the same title by the band The Gaslight Anthem.