The Mississippi Gulf Coast was originally settled back in 1699 by the French when Biloxi became its first permanent settlement with towering moss-draped oaks, and sprawling mansions. Home to Keesler Air Force Base, the area became a tourist mecca with twelve fabulous casinos that brings in millions of tourist dollars every year. Unfortunately, many of them have been closed due to Hurricane Katrina. A prime vacation spot featuring a twenty-six mile beach, Biloxi and the Gulf Coast offers several interesting museums including the Seabee Museum, the Walter Anderson Museum of Art and the Biloxi Mardi Gras Museum. For a little high seas adventure, Treasure Bay is set up like an eighteenth century pirate ship and offers gambling, food, and nightly entertainment.