1940 Map of Lafourche

About this map

Bayou Lafourche serves as the central artery for this 1940 survey, which reveals a landscape defined by the deep-seated plantation economy and early industrial infrastructure of South Louisiana. The city of Thibodaux acts as the primary hub, where the Texas and Pacific and Southern Pacific railroads converge to move agricultural goods from the surrounding estates. Named holdings such as St James Plantation, Laurel Valley Plantation, and Greenwood Plantation dominate the land use, showing the distinctive long-lot field patterns extending back from the bayou. Significant local landmarks include Morningstar Ch and Choupique Sch, which served the rural communities of Roger and Brule. The presence of several Pump Sta locations and a Water Supply Pipe Line highlights the engineered water management required to maintain productivity near the edges of Devil Swamp.