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1937 Map of Derouen

Name: 1937 Topographic Map of Derouen
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1963
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1963

About this map

The salt domes of coastal Louisiana define the landscape of this 1937 survey, where the unique topography of Jefferson Island, Avery Island, and Weeks Island rises above the surrounding wetlands. These prominent elevations, surrounded by a complex network of marshes, were already centers of industry and community, featuring the Salt Mine at Avery Island and the botanical beauty of Jungle Gardens. The map meticulously details the transition between the freshwater and salt marshes, noting a line of demarcation that underscores the fluid nature of the Gulf Coast environment.

Agricultural and social life are reflected in the numerous plantations and small rail-stop settlements like Bob Acres, Derouen, and Lydia. Several local centers of faith and education are documented, including the St Thomas Church, School, and Cemetery and the Petite Anse School. Connectivity in this water-bound region relied on a dense lattice of canals and rail lines, including the Southern Pacific and the Franklin and Abbeville Canal, which linked the interior settlements to the bustling port of New Iberia.