1957 Map of Breton Sound

About this map

The Mississippi River Delta and the arc of the Chandeleur Islands dominate this 1957 survey, which highlights the precarious balance of the Louisiana coastline before significant late-century erosion. Small riverfront communities such as Poydras, Braithwaite, and Phoenix line the Mississippi River as it winds toward the gulf, while the Southern Pacific railroad tracks provide a vital link for the industry at Port Sulphur. The map documents the sprawling network of bayous and lakes, including Lake Lery and Lake Coquille, that define the landscape of St Bernard Parish and Plaquemines Parish. Protective designations like the Breton National Wildlife Refuge and Delta National Wildlife Refuge are clearly marked, as are the historic defensive positions at Fort Jackson and Fort St Philip, which have guarded the river's approach for generations.