Ocean Springs, Mississippi

Ocean Springs is a city located in Jackson County, Mississippi, about 8 miles east of Biloxi. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 17,225. The town has achieved something of a reputation as an "arts community." Its downtown area is home to several art galleries and shops plying artistic wares. It is also home to a number of ethnic restaurants, relatively uncommon in surrounding communities. Ocean Springs was severely damaged on August 29, 2005, by Hurricane Katrina.

History

One of the oldest cities in the United States, Ocean Springs was founded in 1699 as Fort Maurepas by Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville. It was the first permanent French settlement in Louisiana. The name Ocean Springs was coined by Dr. William Glover Austin in 1854. He believed the local springs had healthy qualities.

Related Topics:
Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville - Louisiana

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Ocean Springs became a prosperous resort town and after several years reinvinted itself as a history oriented residential community.

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