Terrebonne County Louisiana Archives News.....A Trip to Grand Isle (part 1) September 22, 1882
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The Thibodaux Sentinel September 22, 1882
To one whom circumstances keep closely at home, a voyage of any kind affords 
both instruction and pleasure. There is no knowledge like that one which the eye 
gives, or which experience demonstrates. A glance often dispels deep rooted 
ideas, and a practical experiment dissolves theories as completely as a cloud 
cuts off the light of the moon.

On Sunday, August 20, 1882, in company with several friends, I embarked on board 
the fine little steamer Joe Webre, a trip to Grand Isle in response to a kind 
invitation from the genial Captain A. E. Hotard. Capt. Hotard is a true specimen 
of the live, energetic, creole population of Louisiana. Born on the Lafourche, 
raised in Algiers, and subsequently purchasing a home on the interior Bayou 
Boeuf in this Parish, he has shown a vim and genius in the development of the 
lands extending along the Bays and Bayous that separate the Lafourche ridge from 
the river lands, that has resulted in the accomplishment of great good to the 
Parish, and its inner settlements.

He has built two steamers at his home on Bayou Boeuf for the purpose of 
navigating the bays and streams in the valley between the Lafourche and the 
river. Knowing every pass, Bayou, and inlet in that complicated mixture of 
waters and islands, his boats have proved to be just the kind of steamers 
required for a successful navigation of the same. It was a happy thought that 
induced him to open a communication weekly between Grand Isle and Thibodaux via 
Bayou Lafourche and the Navigation Company’s Canal.

This was a new thing, and the opening of a line of travel as above was to be 
undertaken with fear and trembling. But with Capt. Hotard, to conceive and to 
execute is one and the same thing. From the first trip it was shown that the 
enterprise would prove a financial success, and the weekly trips were continued. 
Unfortunately for him, and the people of Lafourche, Terrebonne, and Assumption, 
the commencement was too late. By the time the fact of these regular trips was 
generally distributed the season was over. Capt. Hotard says, that in 1883, he 
is going to turn his entire attention to the Lafourche business; that he will 
arrange his boat so as to furnish greater accommodations; that he will make semi 
weekly trips and go high as Paincourtville, perhaps to Donaldsonville. The Joe 
Webre can leave Donaldsonville at two o’clock A.M. and reach Grand Isle at eight 
o’clock P.M.

In connection with these trips he will make arrangements to transport fish kept 
on ice, for all the principal landing places on the Bayou. The greatest treat 
Thibodaux has had, for many years, is the supply of fresh fish furnished by this 
boat for the last two months. That such an enterprise will be a profitable one 
for the proprietor, and a happy one for the people no doubt can be entertained.

A trip to Grand Isle by way of the lower Lafourche, the new Canal and Bays, 
bathing in the surf of the Gulf of Mexico on one of the finest beaches on the 
continent, and a feast of salt water fish, crabs, shrimps &c. can be made so 
cheap that every one can afford to make it.

The scenery on lower Bayou Lafourche is grand in its simplicity, weird and 
unique beauty.

Variegated so that every head of the stream opens out something new, and 
discloses strange sights, especially to one who has not descended that stream 
for many years.

Growing sugar cane and stalks of rice waving in the wind, behind which stand the 
huge cypress trees, of the swamps, their tough branches covered with green moss, 
and occasionally glimpse of Lakes and prairies in the distances, handsome 
residence and rustic cabins all along the stream are some of the views presented 
to the traveller, all indicating that prosperity and independence are again the 
reward of agricultural toil. 

Where a few years ago the banks of the Bayou were marked by rude and uncouth 
cabins, now may be seen dwellings with surroundings indicating comfort, wealth 
and happiness. New buildings are seen under progress of construction, nice 
fences replace the old picket ones, paint adds contrast to the old buildings, 
and additional charms to the general appearance. As the lower Bayou is reached, 
primitive simplicity is visible and huts or cabins covered with palmettos expose 
the poverty of the fisherman and hunters of that coast. 

But nowhere will one find a more genuine hospitality or sincere welcome than the 
traveller will meet who enters within one of those primitive dwellings. As the 
bayou is descended the lands become narrow as the sea marsh approaches the 
stream. 

The passengers on the Joe Webre amused themselves, looking upon the ever 
changing scenery, holding pleasant conversation with their friends who were 
embarking along the route.

Frank and Louis whiled away their time shooting at alligators, thus amusing 
themselves, their fellow passengers and the saurian majesties of the muddy 
stream.

I was somewhat surprised, but agreeably so to discover that the old canal at 
Lockport was dry a sight that I had never witnessed in 26 years. So much has the 
work of the Local Board of Swamp Land Commissioners already affected.

Lake Fields is lower than it has ever been for a half century, whilst the result 
of the draining enterprise of the Lafourche residents of the West bank are 
encouraged and gratified to the extent of their most brilliant hopes.

This great work will ultimately and that very soon, result in the drainage of 
all that section of Lafourche and Terrebonne Parishes, between the Bayous of the 
same names, recover from the dominion of the Alligator and bull frog over 30,000 
acres of as fine lands as are to be found in Louisiana, and render it, if not 
suitable for sugar cane an excellent pasturage upon which can be raised and 
fattened thousands of cattle for the home and New Orleans markets. 

As the sun went down behind the huge cypress trees and the shadows fell over the 
Bayou every few miles the belles and beaux were seen gathering together in some 
residence preparatory to an evening’s dance and a good time generally. 

Finally the Canal of the South Louisiana Navigation Company was reached.

The gunnale, that served as the door to its entrance, was drawn aside, by the 
venerable Mr. Lathrop, who many years ago was a citizen and teacher in this 
town.

His white hairs reminded me that time was passing, and then the Joe Webre 
entered the canal and blew her whistle for joy.


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