1966 Map of Belle Chasse

About this map

The Mississippi River defines the landscape of this delta survey, carving through the heart of the region past Twelvemile Point and the U S N Air Station. The map illustrates a complex relationship between the water and the inhabited land, featuring extensive engineering including the Sea Level Levee and the Forty Arpent Canal. Small riverfront settlements like Braithwaite, Scarsdale, and Stella are situated along the natural levees, while the vast marshlands of Big Mar and Lake Lery dominate the eastern reaches. The infrastructure of the era is evident in the Southern Railroad corridor and the industrial presence at the Sea Train Terminal. Local heritage is anchored by landmarks such as Bethlehem Ch and the English Turn Cem, providing a detailed look at the Plaquemines Parish communities before modern development altered the riverbank profile.