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1955 Map of Grand Lake West

Name: 1955 Topographic Map of Grand Lake West
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1956
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1956

About this map

Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge dominates the northern reaches of this coastal Louisiana landscape, where the Intracoastal Waterway cuts a straight path through the marshlands of Cameron Parish. The region is defined by its series of cheniers—low, sandy ridges that support settlement above the surrounding wetlands. Along these elevated landforms, communities like Grand Cheniere and Little Cheniere took root, supported by a network of drainage canals and small cemeteries such as Boudoin Cem and Cheniere Perdue Cem.

The mid-century industrial presence is marked by the Grand Cheniere Gas Field and the Lake Misere Oil Field, indicating the importance of energy extraction alongside traditional coastal life. Water dominates the geography, with the Mermentau River winding south toward the Gulf, connecting Lake Misere, Catfish Lake, and the expansive Grand Lake. Unusual local landmarks like a Drive-in Theater near the river and the Grand Cheniere High Sch provide specific points of interest for genealogists tracing family roots in this distinctive bayou environment.