1983 Map of Morgan City

About this map

Bayou Teche winds through the heart of this coastal landscape, serving as a historic spine for settlements like Jeanerette and Franklin. This 1983 topographic-bathymetric study captures the complex intersection of South Louisiana's industrial and natural environments, from the high ground of salt domes at Avery Island and Weeks Island to the expansive wetlands of the Atchafalaya Basin Floodway. The map details a period of significant maritime and energy-related infrastructure, showing the critical role of the Intracoastal Waterway and the Southern Pacific Railroad in connecting towns such as Morgan City and Patterson to broader markets. The inclusion of bathymetric contours throughout Atchafalaya Bay and Vermilion Bay reveals the underwater topography essential for navigating these shallow coastal waters, while the boundaries of the Russell Sage Foundation Marsh Island State Wildlife Refuge highlight the region's commitment to conservation amidst its industrial growth.