Gulfport was settled in 1891 as the site for a railroad terminus. In 1902 its harbor was opened and the city rapidly developed as an important lumber-shipping center. With the depletion of timber resources, Gulfport extended its shipping facilities and turned to manufacturing and a growing tourist trade. Gambling casinos and several military installations can be found in Gulfport. A number of wonderful antebellum homes remain and the city has one of the longest artificial sand beaches in the world, measuring 45 km (28 miles). De Soto National Forest is to the north, while historic Ship Island, with its Civil War Fort Massachusetts, is 19 km (12 miles) out in the sound.

Gulfport is a port of entry to the United States. It receives large shipments of bananas. The city's diverse manufactures include ink and petroleum resins, steel, appliances, furniture, cleaning products, tungsten carbide, apparel, asphalt, metal products, transport tanks, boats and barges.

Gulfport is a port on Mississippi Sound, the Gulf of Mexico, in a resort area. There are many hotels, bars and restaurants in town. It is 240 km southeast from Jackson and 1450 km southwest from Washington D.C.