1954 Map of Pelican Pass

About this map

Pelican Pass divides the coastal marshlands and open waters where Terrebonne and Lafourche Parish meet. This 1930s-era examination, compiled from aerial photographs, reveals a complex network of wetlands and tidal inlets before the significant coastal erosion of the late 20th century. The landscape is dotted with small settlements and outposts like Philo and Camp, which serve as markers for human activity in this aqueous environment. Large bodies of water such as Lake Raccourci and Timbalier Bay are separated by fragmented landmasses including West Island, the Brush Islands, and the Cassetete Islands. Navigational features with distinct local names, such as Wrong Name Pass and Blue Bayou, illustrate the intricate waterway system essential for local travel and trade during this period.