Delacroix, Louisiana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Delacroix
La Isla (Spanish)
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Fire Station #12 and Delacroix water tower
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 Delacroix
Location in Louisiana
Delacroix
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Louisiana |
| Parish |  St. Bernard Parish |
| MCD | Parish Governing Authority District E
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| Historic colonies | Louisiana (New Spain) Louisiana (New France) |
| Established | 1783 |
| Named for | Countess Pauline Stéphanie de Livaudais du Suan de la Croix |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.26 sq mi (0.67 km2) |
| • Land | 0.22 sq mi (0.57 km2) |
| • Water | 0.04 sq mi (0.09 km2) |
| Elevation | 3 ft (0.9 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 48 |
| • Density | 217.19/sq mi (83.78/km2) |
| Demonym(s) | islero, -ra |
| Time zone | UTC−6 (Central) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−5 (Central) |
| ZIP code |
70085
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| Area code(s) | 504 |
| FIPS code | 22-20050 |
| GNIS feature ID | 560617 |
Delacroix is a small fishing community in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana. It is home to people called Isleños, who are descendants of settlers from the Canary Islands. In the 2020 census, Delacroix had a population of 48 people. Many people also call it Delacroix Island. This community was first settled in 1783 by people from the Canary Islands.
Contents
What's in a Name?
The first settlers from the Canary Islands arrived in the late 1700s. They named the area La Isla, which means "The Island" in Spanish. Many Isleños who still speak Spanish call it this today.
Later, on July 3, 1894, the community was renamed L'île de la Croix. This French name honored the landowner, Countess Pauline Stéphanie de Livaudais du Suan de la Croix. Over time, this name changed to the English "Delacroix" or "Delacroix Island". In St. Bernard Parish, people often just call it "the Island".
A Look Back: Delacroix's History
In 1779, the Spanish government began settling people from the Canary Islands in Louisiana. They wanted these settlers to help protect New Orleans and the area from Great Britain. This early settlement was known as the Población de San Bernardo. Delacroix was the last community in a line of settlements leading west.
After the American Civil War, many Isleños moved to the eastern parts of St. Bernard Parish. They focused on fishing, trapping animals, hunting, and gathering Spanish moss. For many years, seafood from Delacroix helped supply restaurants in New Orleans. Families also trapped animals for their fur in the marshlands of St. Bernard and Plaquemines Parishes.
The people of Delacroix have faced many challenges over the years.
- In 1915, a big hurricane hit New Orleans. It killed many people and destroyed almost every building in Delacroix.
- Two years later, over a thousand people, mostly Isleños, died from the Spanish flu and were buried together.
- The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 caused the community to be completely flooded.
Because Delacroix was so isolated, many Isleño customs and traditions lasted a long time. In the mid-1900s, many experts visited Delacroix to study the unique Spanish language spoken there. Even the former Prime Minister of Spain, Adolfo Suárez, visited the community.
In 1965, Hurricane Betsy again destroyed much of the community. After this, the Isleño culture became less visible. Then, in 2005, Hurricane Katrina completely changed the area. Only a few of the original residents returned to Delacroix.
Where is Delacroix?
Delacroix is located in southeastern Louisiana, near the Mississippi River Delta. The community sits on a narrow strip of sandy land. This land was formed by the Mississippi River over the last 1,500 years. The ground here is made of clay, mud, sand, and silt.
Even though people call it "Delacroix Island," it is not actually an island. Delacroix is southeast of Lake Lery. It is located along Bayou Terre-aux-Boeufs, which flows through St. Bernard Parish and Plaquemines Parish. Bayou Lery also crosses Delacroix and connects to Bayou Terre-aux-Boeufs.
The homes and buildings in Delacroix are on the eastern side of Bayou Terre-aux-Boeufs, protected by a levee.
People of Delacroix
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 2020 | 48 | — | |
| U.S. Decennial Census 2020 |
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In 2020, Delacroix had 48 residents. Most of the people were non-Hispanic white (62.50%). About 35.42% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.
How Delacroix Makes a Living
The local economy mostly relies on people who come to fish and hunt for fun. It also depends on ecotourism, which means visitors come to enjoy nature. Some professional fishing still happens in Delacroix.
In 2018, the first boat lift and shipyard owned by St. Bernard Parish was built in Delacroix. This helps local fishermen and boat owners.
Life and Culture Today
Today, only a few of the original families still live in Delacroix. Because of this, much of the unique Isleño culture has faded away. However, daily life still focuses on fishing, hunting, and outdoor activities, just as it always has.
One special event is the Blessing of the Fleet. This happens every year before the fishing season starts. A Catholic priest blesses the fishing boats of Delacroix. Many decorated boats travel along Bayou Terre-aux-Boeufs during this event.
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For the original Isleño residents, the very end of Louisiana Highway 300 (LA 300) was known as El fin del Mundo, which means "The end of the World." You might see signs with this phrase there, but they often get damaged by storms or people. There is also an annual bike ride called the Tour da Parish. It starts at the Los Isleños Museum and ends at "The End of the World" in Delacroix.
Famous People from Delacroix
- Irván "Puco" Pérez
- Joseph "Chelito" Campo
- Manuel Molero
- Mabel Isabel (Molero) Quatroy
