Lured by the Gulf Waters

"The water fairly abounds with speckled trout, sheepshead, red fish, Spanish Mackerel, pompano, black bass. This will give one an idea of the fishing in the vicinity of Biloxi.

The water is never too tepid nor yet too chill, but exhilarates like a tonic. A splendid wharf and commodious bath houses are provided for the guests of the White House."- excerpt from Mrs. Cora White's original brochure

What drew the first French boats to drop anchor here over 300 years ago continued to lure visitors from across the country to the White House Hotel. And that was the balmy climate, and abundant waters, provided by the Gulf of Mexico.

Sport fisherman came to chase the great Silver King, or tarpon, which could easily weigh in at over 100 pounds after furnishing a magnificent fight - often towing a boat for miles. A single morning’s catch of mackerel could yield dozens of fish strung in iridescent rows across the end of the White House pier. And the Hotel also arranged "spearing parties" to hunt for sweet flounders buried in the shallow, sandy shoals.

With canvas sails billowing in the Gulf breeze, wooden-hulled schooners raced gracefully across the horizon. Soaking in "the most pleasing views imaginable," many Hotel guests simply rocked back and forth on Cora’s sweeping front porch… "where the salt sea air renews the sagging nerves and jaded appetite and enables one to thoroughly enjoy every minute of their stay."