1892 Map of Quarantine

About this map

Guyot Settlement and Buras Settlement sit along the fertile natural levees of the Mississippi River, showcasing the thin ribbon of habitable land in the lower delta during the late nineteenth century. This survey, conducted by J.W. Powell and the USGS, captures the intricate network of water and marsh south of New Orleans before modern coastal erosion and engineering significantly altered the shoreline. The map documents numerous small riverside communities like Potash, Empire, and Home Place, as well as the strategic Quarantine station. To the west and east, the landscape dissolves into a complex system of bays and bayous, including Adams Bay, Bastian Bay, and Quarantine Bay. The presence of the Rappette Canal and Bardel Canal highlights early efforts to navigate these wetlands, while landmarks such as 60 Mile Point served as vital markers for river pilots navigating the river's Tropical Bend.