Welcome to The Islands
Although not your typical island, these rural communities were built on ridges of land that were higher than the marshes surrounding them in southern Vermilion Parish. These “island” communities are said to be surrounded by a “sea” of grass. Driving through these areas, you’ll be captivated by what seems to be an extensive and open landscape mixed with farms, marshland and native wildlife.
The most northern of the islands, Cow Island is located a few miles south of Kaplan on LA 35. The first family to settle in the area during the mid to late 1840s was Pierre LaPoint. For his home, Mr. LaPoint chose a hill in the midst of a marsh where herds of wild cattle roamed, hence giving this area the name Ile des Vache or Cow Island. When passing through Cow Island, make sure to stop at Suire’s Grocery and Restaurant for some of the most authentic Cajun dishes in south Louisiana.
Forked Island, pronounced (fork’-id) by the locals, is located where LA 82 begins. In the 1880s, when the first families came to settle Forked Island (Ile Fourchue), it was an open, high ridge in the marsh, broken only by trails made by the herds of cattle that roamed the marsh. Forked Island was truly an island then with coulees forming three forks. People had to cross waterways on log rafts or travel through the marsh on horseback. Later, a pontoon bridge was built across the bayou to Forked Island.
Just before the junction of LA 82 and LA 35, you’ll find the old ferry landing that used to connect drivers to the south side of the Intracoastal Waterway. Cross the Forked Island Bridge and head south. Alligator farms are located along the way where the reptiles are raised to maturity from eggs collected in the surrounding marshes. While the farms aren’t open for tours, you can view Roseate and Egret at the rookery across from one of the farms. A short drive ahead brings you to Little Prairie and a swing-span bridge over the old Intracoastal Waterway. This is prime birding territory with so much nature to enjoy.
As continue south on Hwy. 82 to Pecan Island (La Pacanière), enjoy the drive through Vermilion Parish’s “outback” inhabited by alligator, deer, nutria and native birds and other waterfowl. This is an excellent area for fishing, crabbing, birding and more. You’ll notice many of the homes that have been turned into hunting and fishing camps after Hurricanes Rita and Ike caused many residents to move to the northern parts of the parish. While you’re in the area, perhaps you’d like to visit Freshwater City, the home to oil industry docks, the Freshwater Bayou Lock and the Gulf of America.
Fun fact about Pecan Island: The Morgan Effigy, a deer antler carving dating back to 700-1000 AD, was found in Pecan Island while a company was excavating a large dirt pile (later determined to be an Indian mound). Coles Creek Indians were once known to inhabit the area around Pecan Island. The Morgan Effigy and other Native American artifacts are on display at the Abbeville Cultural & Historical Alliance/Vermilion Parish Tourist Commission.
