1951 Map of New Harbor Islands

About this map

The Chandeleur Islands stretch across this mid-century hydrographic study, forming a delicate barrier between the Gulf of Mexico and the interior sounds of St. Bernard Parish. This coastal landscape is defined by its shifting sands and tidal reaches, including the New Harbor Islands and the North Islands, which are protected as part of the Breton National Wildlife Refuge. The map provides a detailed look at the underwater topography of the era, recording soundings and depth curves through Smack Channel and Shoalwater Bay. Notable landmarks such as Redfish Point offer fixed reference points for maritime navigation. The mapping reflects the state of the coastline shortly after 1950, capturing the intricate shoreline and shoals before decades of coastal erosion and storm activity altered the profile of these outer islands.