Last Island (Louisiana) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Last Island
Isle Dernière
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Last Island in 1853
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Remaining portions of Last Island
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 Last Island
Location in Louisiana
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| Country | United States |
| State | Louisiana |
| Parish | Terrebonne |
| Area | |
| • Total | 42 sq mi (110 km2) |
| • Land | 3.625 sq mi (9.39 km2) |
| • Water | 38.375 sq mi (99.39 km2) |
| Elevation | 5 ft (2 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (CST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
Last Island, officially known as Isle Dernière (which means "Last Island" in French), was a beautiful barrier island off the coast of Louisiana, USA. It was a popular vacation spot southwest of New Orleans. People loved its white sand beaches and clear water, which were different from the marshy mainland.
It was called Last Island because it was the final island in a chain of islands stretching west from the Mississippi River. However, a powerful storm called the Last Island Hurricane hit on August 10, 1856. This huge storm destroyed the island and split it into two pieces. After the hurricane, it became known as the Isles Dernières (meaning "Last Islands").
The island was originally about 25 miles long before the storm. Other tropical storms caused even more damage over time. Today, the area is known as the Isles Dernieres Barrier Island Refuge. Since the 1990s, there have been many projects to rebuild and protect these islands. For example, in 1998, sand was added to make the islands higher, and plants were put in place to help keep the new land from washing away.
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A Lighthouse for Safe Travel
In 1848, the government of Louisiana asked the U.S. Congress for a lighthouse near Last Island. Money was set aside for a special lightship. This was a boat with a light on it, which would be placed on Ship Shoal, a few miles southeast of the island.
A boat called the McLane was turned into the lightship Pleasonton. It started guiding ships on December 29, 1849. Later, in 1860, a permanent lighthouse made of iron was built to replace the lightship. This lighthouse, called the Ship Shoal Lighthouse, was used until 1965.
Last Island: A Popular Vacation Spot
Before the 1856 hurricane, Last Island was a very popular place for people to visit. It was a great escape from the hot summer weather in New Orleans. The island often had a cool breeze, which was a welcome relief.
Visitors could stay at the John Muggah's Ocean House Hotel. For fun, there were several places to gamble and Captain Dave Muggah's Billiard House. A short distance from the hotel was Last Island Village. This village had about 100 beach homes, including some fancy houses and other temporary summer homes.
It was easy to get to the island. A steamboat called the Star regularly traveled there from Bayou Boeuf. People from New Orleans could take a train to Bayou Boeuf, which connected to a ferry across the Mississippi River. The train ticket cost $3.50, and children paid half price.
The Devastating 1856 Hurricane
On August 10, 1856, the Last Island Hurricane struck. About 400 vacationers were on the island when the storm hit. Sadly, 198 people were known or believed to have died. However, 203 people survived the powerful storm.
Many people, including some who were forced to work, bravely helped rescue others, especially children. The hurricane destroyed every building on the island, including the large, strong Ocean House Hotel. The storm also wiped out all the crops and plants on the island.
Isles Dernieres Barrier Island Refuge Today
Today, the Isles Dernieres Barrier Islands Refuge is made up of four islands: Wine, Trinity/East, Whiskey, and Raccoon. It also includes thousands of acres of water around them.
Trinity Island has a public area where people can go bird-watching, have picnics, fish, and camp overnight. If you want to use the other islands, you need a special permit from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. This department has owned and managed the islands since 1992.
The islands now protect the mainland from erosion and damage from hurricanes. But their most important job is to provide a safe home for nesting waterbirds, like pelicans. Raccoon Island is especially important. It is one of the most vital places for waterbirds to nest along the Louisiana Gulf Coast.
