1973 Map of Bay L'ours

About this map

Little Lake and the surrounding marshlands of south Louisiana are captured here as they appeared in the early 1970s, defined by a complex network of waterways and industrial development. This orthophotomap, produced by the U.S. Geological Survey using aerial photography from 1971, reveals the intricate relationship between the natural landscape and the energy sector. Evidence of industry is scattered throughout the wetlands, notably in the Little Temple Oil and Gas Field and the Little Lake Oil and Gas Field. A series of canals, pipelines, and numerous drill holes crisscross the terrain, showing how the search for resources reshaped the delta. The sheet also documents the indefinite boundary between Jefferson and Lafourche Parishes, winding through open water like Bayou Rigolettes and Bay L'ours, where traditional landmarks are replaced by offshore structures and navigation lights.