1953 Map of Timbalier Island

About this map

Timbalier Island stands as a prominent barrier feature between the open Gulf of Mexico and the shallow waters of Timbalier Bay. This mid-century survey reveals an landscape defined by the burgeoning energy industry, with an extensive Oil Field established north of the main island. The map details the intricate infrastructure of the era, including numerous Oil Tanks, a lone Oil Well, and a Radio Tower positioned near Caillou Island. The shifting geography of the Louisiana coast is evident in the fragmented shapes of the Pelican Islands and Casse-tete Island, while deep channels like Caillou Pass and Little Pass Timbalier mark the tidal exchanges of the gulf. This document captures the intersection of natural coastal geomorphology and the industrial footprint required to extract resources from the marsh and sea.