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1939 Map of Shell Beach

Name: 1939 Topographic Map of Shell Beach
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1939
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1939

About this map

The coastal marshlands of St Bernard Parish are defined here by a complex network of bayous, lagoons, and historical infrastructure shortly before the mid-century. The community of Shell Beach sits at the edge of Lake Borgne, serving as a focal point near the site of Old Ft Beauregard. This area shows the early footprints of coastal development with Alluvial City, Yscloskey, and Hopedale linked by an Old Railroad Grade that cuts through the wetlands.

Water management and transportation are evident through the presence of the Engineers Canal and Bakers Canal. These artificial waterways contrast with the winding natural paths of La Loutre, St. Malo Bayou, and Bayou Biloki. The map illustrates a transitional landscape where the land and Gulf waters are inextricably linked, providing a detailed record of the St. Bernard and Plaquemines Parish line before coastal erosion significantly altered the shoreline.