1953 Map of Central Isles Dernieres

About this map

The Isles Dernieres barrier island chain sits at the threshold of the open Gulf of Mexico, forming a critical protective buffer for the Terrebonne Parish interior. In the mid-1950s, this coastal landscape was defined by an intricate network of tidal channels and shallow bays, including Lake Pelto and Pelican Lake. The geography is segmented by significant water passages such as Whisky Pass and the Coupe Nouvelle, which separate the fragmented landmasses like Whisky Island. Human activity in this dynamic environment is sparse but present, noted by a Light and a lone Oil Well south of the main islands. The naming conventions, featuring labels like Grand Pass des Ilettes and California Bay, reflect the diverse maritime history of the Louisiana coast before modern erosion significantly altered the shape of these barrier features.