Backstory on this parking lot adjacent to the Golden Nugget Casino – Biloxi: according to the police (who patrol at least twice a day) – no one really claims ownership now days. The casino maintains it – and “they” (the police or casino or city) don’t care how long you stay here.
It was the old City Aquarium until Hurricane Katrina in 2005 – which wiped out the building. The Aquarium couldn’t afford to rebuild so it has sat vacant for 13 years.
As I write this blog post you’ll see many references to Hurricane Katrina. You see, the actual hurricane hit here – just a few miles down the road from us! Right here! The damage in New Orleans was due to their levy system failing. There wasn’t as much televised about this area 13 years ago because the devastation was more focused on Louisiana. However, the evidence of the destruction in Bilouxi, MS is everywhere.
As we got out and explored I realized that what I was seeing now in 2018 didn’t compare to what I had seen 10 years ago or 48 years ago – when I lived here as a kid. Where were the big palatial houses? All I see are historical markers now – which all end with “completely destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.” And there are lots of for sale signs.
We met one gentleman on the property of the former Church of the Redeemer who was giving us the history of what had happened years ago. He didn’t refer to the disaster as Hurricane Katrina – he referred to it as “When the massive Wave Came” – I didn’t get his comment until I saw this…..
The sign shows where Hurricane Camille came in at 19.5′ feet of water and on the other side shows Katrina at 4 feet higher. Somewhere above the height of the light you can see to the right in the photo. I now understood why the locals recall the storm as a “wave”.
Although I’m not a history buff – I am a weather buff. I love the weather – as my friends and family can attest and I respect it fully!
I do enjoy history as it relates to weather and if you do – then check out the Welcome Center in Biloxi – you’ll get history on the city and yes, a lot of Katrina info – because that storm changed this city FOREVER! There was no rebuilding those massive churches, houses, businesses – when there was nothing left to build upon.
After taking my solo tour to the Welcome Center and learning of the lighthouse that still stood (even through the hurricane – which is a remarkable story) – I went back and got Trapper …. to go explore further. I guess I was feeling nostalgic and humbled.
We go to Biloxi National Cemetery. Where the word humbled doesn’t even touch the emotion.