1967 Map of Belle Isle

About this map

Patterson and the winding Bayou Teche dominate the northeastern corner of this coastal Louisiana survey, where the Southern Pacific railroad and Highway 90 bridge the waterway. The landscape is defined by the transition from settled levee lands to the expansive marsh systems of the Wax Lake and Atchafalaya Bay regions. Significant industrial activity is evident throughout the wetlands, particularly within the Belle Isle Gas and Oil Field and the Garden City Oil and Gas Field, showing the infrastructure of the mid-century energy economy. The Intracoastal Waterway cuts a straight path through the maze of natural channels like Bear Bayou and Possum Point Bayou, serving as a vital artery for maritime commerce. Cultural landmarks such as the Little Zion Church near Shadyside and various cemeteries provide grounding for genealogical research in this specialized riverine environment.