1951 Map of Cat Island

About this map

The Juan De Cuevas Claim Cat Island anchors this coastal survey, highlighting the historic Spanish land grant that encompasses much of the island's terrestrial footprint. The topography of the island is defined by dramatic coastal features, from the elevated Great Sand Hill to the elongated extensions of Raccoon Spit and Phoenix Spit. These sandy landforms shift between the Mississippi Sound and the open waters of Chandeleur Sound, with a small Light and a Flowing Well marking the few human-made improvements in this maritime environment. The intricate shoreline along Little Bay and the narrow passage of North Bayou demonstrate a landscape shaped by tidal forces and seasonal storms, while the Mississippi Louisiana state line cuts through the southern reaches of the Cat Island Channel.