1939 Map of Chalmette

About this map

The Mississippi River creates a dramatic curve at English Turn and Shingle Pt in this late 1930s survey of the river delta below New Orleans. The landscape is defined by the proximity of the river to the sprawling marshlands, partitioned by significant engineering works like the Paris Road, the Back Protection Levee, and the Lake Borgne Canal. Along the river’s northern bank, a string of historic settlements including Fazende, Chalmette, Versailles, Meraux, and Violet follow the narrow strip of high ground between the water and the bayous. This area is noted for its commemorative landmarks, specifically the Chalmette Nat Mon and Chalmette Nat Cem. The interior is crisscrossed by industrial and drainage features such as the Norman Canal and Planters Canal, alongside the transport corridor of the Southern Louisiana railroad, reflecting a coastal region balancing agricultural drainage and navigation.