1980 Map of Grand Chenier

About this map

Grand Chenier Ridge and the Mermentau River dominate this coastal landscape, illustrating the unique geological formation of cheniers—elevated sandy ridges topped with oaks that sit amidst the marshlands of Cameron Parish. This 1980 orthophotomap, based on late-1970s aerial photography, reveals the established settlement of Grand Chenier clustered along the high ground of the ridge. The map is a vital record for genealogists, detailing numerous family and church burial sites including Boudoin Cem, Shady Oaks Cem, and Our Lady of the Marsh Cem. The drainage patterns and industrial activity of the era are evident through the network of Canal systems, oil wells, and the Humble pipeline. From the expansive Upper Mud Lake to smaller water bodies like Marseillaise Bayou, the map tracks how the community adapted to this amphibious environment.