Hurricane Katrina began its formation over the Bahamas on August 23, 2005. The storm passed over southern Florida and rapidly strengthened over the warm Gulf waters. It quickly reached Category 5 status with winds measured at 175 mph. Katrina wreaked havoc all along the Gulf Coast and flooded New Orleans. In terms of property damage and loss of life, Katrina proved to be one of the most costly storms in American history.
     One of the survivors found along the Mississippi coastline was the Biloxi Lighthouse. Katrina wasn't the first hurricane to test the Biloxi Lighthouse, as Hurricane Camille confirmed the beacon's strength in 1969. Stephen Pleasonton suggested a cast iron tower for Biloxi, and in 1947 it became the first iron plated lighthouse in the south. Metal plates, cast in Baltimore, were bolted around the brick structure. This utilitarian design has survived hurricanes, beach erosion and the Civil War. Today, the casino ships are gone, but the lighthouse stands firm between the east and westbound lanes of Route 90.