Last Island, or "Isle Dernière" as it was known in French, was once a thriving coastal retreat in South Louisiana, located south of Cocodrie. This barrier island was renowned for its stunning beauty, pristine beaches, and status as an elite resort destination in the mid-19th century. However, the island met a tragic fate in 1856 when a catastrophic hurricane swept it away, turning it from a paradise into a haunting reminder of nature’s power. Today, Last Island exists only as a fragmented chain of sandbars, but its story remains one of Louisiana’s most compelling tales of wealth, disaster, and resilience.
Early History and Settlement
Before becoming a resort destination, Last Island was a natural barrier island that was crucial in protecting the Louisiana coastline from Gulf storms and erosion. Indigenous peoples likely utilized the island for fishing and seasonal habitation long before European settlement. However, it was not until the early 19th century that Last Island became a focal point for activity.
The island’s isolation, sandy beaches, and proximity to Louisiana’s coastal waterways made it an attractive location for those seeking an escape from the mainland. Wealthy sugar planters from South Louisiana and New Orleans, eager to escape the summer heat and yellow fever outbreaks, began frequenting the island in the early 1800s. They constructed small cottages and established a luxurious resort community where they could enjoy the sea breeze, saltwater bathing, and leisurely summer living.
The Golden Age of Last Island
By the 1840s, Last Island had transformed into a prestigious summer retreat for Louisiana’s elite. The island’s primary resort, the Last Island Hotel (also known as Ocean House), became a hub of activity, drawing wealthy visitors from New Orleans, Houma, and nearby plantation communities. The hotel featured ballrooms, fine dining, and entertainment, offering a high-class experience comparable to the finest resorts of the time.
In addition to the hotel, private cottages dotted the island, each belonging to affluent families who sought refuge from the mainland’s harsh summer climate. A steamboat route was established between New Orleans and Last Island, making travel to the remote location both accessible and fashionable. The island’s reputation for relaxation and leisure continued to grow, and it became known as the "Newport of the South."
Fishing, boating, and social gatherings filled the days of those who visited Last Island. The Gulf waters teemed with fish, providing ample opportunities for sport and sustenance. Wealthy visitors enjoyed dancing, card games, and storytelling in the evenings, creating a community defined by luxury and exclusivity.
The Great Hurricane of 1856
On August 10, 1856, Last Island’s golden era came to an abrupt and tragic end. A powerful hurricane, estimated to be a Category 4 storm, struck the Louisiana coast with devastating force. The storm surge, combined with ferocious winds, obliterated Last Island and everything on it.
Reports from survivors described a horrifying scene: powerful waves swept away homes, the Last Island Hotel crumbled, and hundreds of residents and visitors were left struggling in the water. Many drowned, while others clung to debris for hours, hoping to be rescued. The storm killed an estimated 200-400 people, making it one of the deadliest hurricanes in Louisiana history.
The aftermath of the storm was shocking. Last Island had been split into smaller islets, its once-beautiful landscape reshaped by the forces of nature. The survivors who made it back to the mainland told stories of loved ones lost and the complete destruction of what had been a thriving resort community.
Aftermath and the Disappearance of Last Island
The destruction of Last Island was so complete that it was never rebuilt. The elite who had once frequented the island abandoned the idea of restoring it, choosing instead to establish other coastal retreats in locations such as Grand Isle, which became Louisiana’s next major seaside resort.
In the years following the hurricane, Last Island continued to erode due to storms, tidal action, and coastal subsidence. What remained of the island gradually fragmented into a chain of small barrier islands known today as the Isles Dernières. These islands continue to serve as an important natural habitat, providing protection for Louisiana’s wetlands and serving as a breeding ground for migratory birds and marine life and a summer hot spot for speckled trout fishing.
Scientific and Environmental Significance
Today, Last Island and its remnants are recognized for their ecological importance. The Isles Dernières Barrier Islands Refuge was established to protect the fragile ecosystem of the area. The island chain plays a crucial role in Louisiana’s ongoing fight against coastal erosion and serves as a case study for scientists studying the impact of hurricanes and climate change on barrier islands.
Researchers from institutions like the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON) have studied the region extensively, examining the island’s disappearance and the broader implications of coastal erosion in South Louisiana. Sediment loss, rising sea levels, and storm impacts continue to shape what remains of Last Island, underscoring the delicate balance between land and sea.
Legends and Cultural Impact
The dramatic story of Last Island has inspired folklore, literature, and music. One of the most famous accounts of the island’s destruction comes from Louisiana author Lafcadio Hearn, who wrote "Chita: A Memory of Last Island," a novella based on the hurricane’s tragic events. The story captured the mystique of the lost paradise and has helped preserve its legacy in Louisiana’s cultural memory. We have a copy of this book at Camp Alibi. If you ever would like to read it, just ask.
Even today, stories of ghostly apparitions and strange occurrences associated with Last Island persist. Some fishermen claim to have seen eerie lights or heard phantom voices on calm nights near the island’s remains. These legends add to the mystique of the place, drawing the interest of historians, adventurers, and paranormal enthusiasts alike.
Modern-Day Legacy
While Last Island is no longer the resort paradise it once was, its story continues to captivate historians, environmentalists, and coastal researchers. The lessons learned from its destruction have influenced Louisiana’s approach to hurricane preparedness and coastal management.
Visitors to the region can still explore the waters around the Isles Dernières, where fishing, birdwatching, and scientific exploration continue. Though the grand hotels and elegant ballrooms of Last Island are long gone, its legacy remains etched in the shifting sands and the enduring tales of its rise and fall. In the spring of 2025, Coastal Conservation Association installed a 4 acre reef just north of Last Island.
Conclusion
The history of Last Island, Louisiana, is a poignant reminder of the transient nature of coastal communities. From its golden age as a luxurious retreat for Louisiana’s elite to its catastrophic demise in the hurricane of 1856, the island’s story is one of beauty, tragedy, and resilience. Though it no longer exists as it once did, Last Island’s legend lives on in Louisiana’s cultural history, its environmental significance, and the haunting echoes of a paradise lost to the Gulf of Mexico.
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