1946 Map of Convent

About this map

St Josephs Plantation and the iconic Oak Alley Plantation line the southern banks of the Mississippi River, reflecting the deeply established agricultural and residential patterns of St. James Parish. This 1935 field examination reveals a landscape organized by narrow riverfront land grants, stretching back from the river toward the Blind River swamps. The settlement at Convent serves as a focal point, supported by the Illinois Central Railroad and the proximity of Convent Sta. Local spiritual life is anchored by St James Ch and Mt Olive Ch, while landmarks like Nita Crevasse hint at the historical hydraulic forces of the river. The presence of multiple rail lines, including the Texas and Pacific Railroad, underscores the area's importance as a transportation corridor between New Orleans and Baton Rouge during the mid-1940s.