Louisiana’s Abandoned Island Has a Wild History

LOUISIANA - Louisiana is famous for its bayous, swamps, fishing towns, and miles of coastline, but hidden away along the Gulf is a place with a history that sounds almost unbelievable.

More than 150 years ago, one of Louisiana’s barrier islands was a popular vacation destination for the wealthy. It had hotels, beach houses, gambling, and regular steamboat service from the mainland.

Today, that once-bustling getaway is a very different place.

The island was known as Isle Dernière, or Last Island, and its story is closely tied to one of the most devastating hurricanes ever to strike Louisiana.

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Louisiana’s “Last Island” Was Once A Luxury Resort

When most people think about an abandoned island in Louisiana, they probably don't picture an upscale vacation destination, but that is exactly what Last Island was during the 1800s.

Located off the Louisiana coast in what is now Terrebonne Parish, Isle Dernière became a popular vacation retreat for wealthy residents looking to beat the heat and enjoy the Gulf Coast.

The island reportedly had more than 100 beach houses, along with resorts and gambling establishments.

There was even regular steamboat service connecting the island with the mainland.

For a while, Last Island was one of Louisiana's premier coastal vacation destinations.

The 1856 Last Island Hurricane Changed Louisiana Forever

The island's history took a tragic turn on August 10, 1856, when a powerful hurricane slammed into the Louisiana coast.

The storm became known as the Last Island Hurricane, and its impact on the island was catastrophic.

Louisiana coastal researchers say the hurricane split Isle Dernière in half. The storm surge completely overwhelmed the low-lying island, destroying virtually everything in its path.

From wikipedia.com -

Offshore, at least 183 people drowned after steamers and schooners sank in rough seas produced by the hurricane.
A storm surge between 11 and 12 feet (3.4 and 3.7 m) completely submerged Last Island in Louisiana, destroying virtually every structure, including the hotels and casinos, while all crops were ruined.

What Happened To Last Island After The Hurricane?

The 1856 hurricane didn't simply destroy the buildings, it completely changed the geography of the island.

Isle Dernière was originally a much larger barrier island, stretching roughly 24 miles along the Louisiana coast. After the 1856 hurricane and subsequent storms, the island was gradually broken into smaller pieces.

Those remnants eventually became known as the Isles Dernières.

Today, the former island has been fragmented into several barrier islands, including Raccoon Island, Whiskey Island, Trinity Island and East Island.

The Last Island Louisiana — Wikipedia Via Williams et al. under contract of U.S. Geological Survey

You Can Still Find Wildlife Around Last Island

While the old hotels, houses and gambling establishments are long gone, the remnants of Last Island aren't empty in the traditional sense.

Birds, fish, turtles, crabs, alligators, stingray, and many other Gulf Coast animals use the islands and nearby waters as their habitat. The disappearance of the resort community essentially allowed nature to reclaim an area that was once filled with people.

The Most Snake-Infested Lakes in Louisiana You Should Know About

Louisiana is known for our fantastic waterways, from swamps and bayous to scenic lakes that are perfect for fishing and boating. But with all of this natural beauty comes an abundance of wildlife, including snakes. In fact, Louisiana has over 50 different snake species, many of which thrive around freshwater lakes, marshes, and coastal habitats.

Where are snakes most commonly found across the Pelican State? Here’s an updated guide to the most snake-infested lakes in Louisiana.

Gallery Credit: Michael Dot Scott

Filed Under: hurricane