SunriseSunrise from Point Cadet and a Little Biloxi historySunrise

Fishing Pier – History of the Biloxi Bay Bridges

1. 1930 War Memorial Bridge (Original US 90 Bridge): A two-lane concrete bridge was dedicated on June 3, 1930, to honor WWI veterans. This was the first continuous highway link between Biloxi and Ocean Springs on the Old Spanish Trail/Highway 90.
2. 1962 Bridge Construction: In 1962, a new, four-lane bridge (sometimes called the “bouncy bridge”) was built to accommodate increased traffic, and the original 1930 bridge was closed to vehicular traffic.
3. Conversion to Fishing Pier: The draw span was removed from the old 1930 bridge, and it was converted into a very popular fishing pier, accessible from both the Biloxi and Ocean Springs sides of the bay.
4. Hurricane Katrina’s Destruction: In August 2005, Hurricane Katrina’s massive storm surge destroyed both the 1962 traffic bridge and the remnants of the 1930 fishing pier.
5. New Bridge and Pier: The new, high-rise Biloxi Bay Bridge (the one used for traffic today) opened in November 2007. The current fishing pier, a 4,700-foot-long concrete structure, was later constructed using the original pilings from the old 1930 bridge as a foundation. It opened in April 2013 and is designed to be ADA accessible and capable of supporting light emergency vehicles. 

Point Cadet, Before Hurricane Katrina

Before the 2005 storm, Point Cadet was home to several significant facilities and a tight-knit community of fishing families. 

• J.L. Scott Marine Education Center & Aquarium: This was a popular attraction that provided marine science education and housed Mississippi’s largest public aquarium. The entire complex was destroyed by Katrina, but the center was later rebuilt at a different location in Ocean Springs.
• Point Cadet Plaza: A waterfront park with a large hangar that had previously housed Coast Guard seaplanes. It was a popular spot for community events and gatherings.
• Isle of Capri Casino Resort: The Golden Nugget casino now stands where the Isle of Capri once operated. The original casino barge at Point Cadet was destroyed by Katrina.
• Point Cadet Marina: The marina was a hub for the local seafood industry, with working boats and a community tied to the Gulf.
• Coastal Community: Point Cadet was historically a diverse residential neighborhood, particularly for fishermen and immigrant families from Croatia, Poland, and Vietnam. 

After Hurricane Katrina

Katrina’s storm surge devastated the Point Cadet area, destroying nearly all structures. Since then, it has been largely redeveloped, with the open land where the Marine Education Center once stood now slated for the Tullis Gardens Casino project. 

Click any image to view full size and browse the gallery.