1945 Map of Pecan Island NW

About this map

Pecan Island emerges as a distinct chenier formation within the expansive coastal wetlands of Vermilion Parish, characterized by a series of long, narrow ridges that provided stable ground for early inhabitants. Along the southern expanse of White Lake, these ridges—including Cane Ridge, Lambert Ridge, and Back Ridge—create a unique linear settlement pattern centered around the Pecan Island PO. This 1945 survey, based on 1930s field examinations and aerial photography, reveals a landscape where maritime navigation and coastal management are paramount, indicated by the Old Intracoastal Canal, the White Lake Tower, and an East Light. The inclusion of a Mound near the post office points to the much deeper human history of these coastal ridges, while family-named features like Kochs Ridge reflect the community's genealogical roots in this marshy environment.