Barataria Bay facts for kids
Barataria Bay is a large bay located in southeastern Louisiana, United States. It is about 15 miles (24 km) long and 12 miles (19 km) wide. This bay is part of the Gulf of Mexico and is found in Jefferson and Plaquemines Parishes. Two long, narrow pieces of land, called barrier islands, named Grand Isle and Grand Terre, separate the bay from the main gulf waters.
The name "Barataria" comes from an old Spanish story called Don Quixote. In the story, there's a make-believe island called insula Barataria where a character named Sancho Panza becomes a ruler.
What Barataria Bay Looks Like
Barataria Bay has a very uneven shoreline with many curves and inlets. It is a marshy area, meaning it has lots of wetlands and many small islands. The land around the bay is very low, located south of New Orleans and west of the Mississippi River Delta. This area is known for its important industries.
History and Economy
In the early 1800s, Barataria Bay was a secret hideout for a group of people known as the Baratarians. They were led by a famous person named Jean Lafitte. These groups often helped move goods without paying taxes.
Today, Barataria Bay is a very important place for local businesses. It is well-known for its large shrimp fishing industry. People also collect muskrat fur here. The area is rich in natural resources like natural gas and petroleum (oil), which are found deep underground. Another important resource found here is sulfur.
Until Hurricane Betsy hit in 1965, a village called Manila Village was located in Barataria Bay.
Oil Spill in 2010
On July 27, 2010, an accident happened in Barataria Bay. A boat called the Pere Ana C. was pulling another boat when it hit an old, unused oil wellhead. This caused oil and gas to shoot up into the air like a fountain, reaching between 20 and 100 feet high.
Workers quickly responded to the spill. They were able to get the oil and gas under control. Five days later, on August 1, 2010, the damaged wellhead was fixed and sealed.
See also
In Spanish: Bahía de Barataria para niños
