Louisiana Has A Lost Town Most People Don’t Know About
By Jackie Ann|Published January 25, 2023
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Jackie Ann
Author
Louisiana native and LSU Alum (Geaux Tigers!), Jackie has lived in Louisiana for over three decades and currently lives in New Orleans. She's been writing for OnlyInYourState since 2016 and can often be found with a coffee at her side, dreaming of her next adventure.
Louisiana is no stranger to hurricanes that completely change the landscape that we once knew. Hurricanes Camille, Andrew, Katrina, Rita, and Ida are just a few of the names that will trigger any Louisianian, unfortunately. It’s an unfortunate reality for anyone living on the Gulf Coast, not just those in the Pelican State, and it’s not a recent thing, either. Over 150 years ago, there was one hurricane that absolutely destroyed Last Island in Louisiana, forever changing Louisiana’s coast and taking the lives of hundreds.
Last Island was a barrier island just off Louisiana's coast that was also a very popular resort town in the early 1800s.
There was a regular service provided by a company named “Star” which left from Bayou Boeuf and it was a quick and easy way for notable New Orleanians to get out of the city and enjoy the fresh air.
It was actually very similar to how the Mississippi/Alabama coast looks now. There were several gambling businesses, hotels, and even a separate area from the "commercial" side of the island that was known as Last Island Village with about 100 beach homes.
The 1856 Last Island Hurricane, also known as the Great Storm of 1856, was one of the strongest hurricanes in recorded history. In fact, it’s tied with both Hurricane Laura and Hurricane Ida as the strongest hurricane to make landfall in the United States.
It made landfall on the island with 150 MPH winds, and a storm surge upwards of 12 feet.
It completely submerged Last Island, destroyed every structure, and fractured the island into smaller islands.
Sadly, a ship was blown off course and ended up crashing into the island where it remained for the duration of the storm. When the storm surge came, it destroyed everything, sweeping many people who were taking shelter in the hotels out to sea. Captain Abe Smith tied himself to the boat and was able to swim out to save 40 people and bring them back to the ship. The ship ended up being a shelter for survivors until rescue teams showed up three days later. Of the 400 people on the island at the time of the hurricane, 203 people survived.
After the hurricane, the island was renamed Isles Dernieres.
Today, the Isles Dernieres Barrier Islands Refuge is composed of four islands: Wine, Trinity, Whiskey, and Raccoon. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries maintains the islands as a protected habitat for nesting birds, like pelicans.
Did you know about Last Island? Let us know in the comments below.
Speaking of Louisiana’s Island, Avery Island is probably Louisiana’s most well-known island and it’s a perfect day trip destination.
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