1963 Map of Gray

About this map

The low-lying wetlands of Lafourche and Terrebonne Parishes are defined by a complex network of waterways, where the Southern Pacific railroad and early highways follow the narrow natural levees. Large-scale agricultural operations including Magnolia Plantation, Minerva Plantation, and Rebecca Plantation demonstrate the historical reliance on these higher ground strips for settlement and farming. Along the corridor between Schriever and Gray, the landscape is dotted with community centers such as St Bridget Ch, St Marks Ch, and the Evergreen Jr High Sch, reflecting the established cultural geography of the mid-20th century. To the south and east, the transition into the marsh is marked by Devil Swamp and the Oil and Gas Field, highlighting the region's move toward petroleum extraction alongside its traditional plantation economy. Many family-named landmarks and cemeteries like Garden of Memories Cem and Halfway Cem provide significant detail for genealogical research in these coastal parishes.