St. Pierre Island-Everything You Have To Know

St. Pierre Island is an unincorporated territory of the United States located in northeastern Louisiana, near the town of Ville Platte. The island has a land area of 2.5 square miles (6.4 km2) and a population of about 50 people as of the 2010 census. The island has a small airport; it is served by Air Wisconsin, which provides service to Baton Rouge, Louisiana and to Pierre Part, Wisconsin.

All About Of St. Pierre Island

St. Pierre Island History

The island was used as a penal colony from 1805 to 1865. Most of the colonists were convicts transported from Louisiana for crimes such as piracy, murder, and arson. The first group of prisoners arrived in 1805 and consisted of 33 men who had been convicted of burglary on the mainland.

In early 1800s St-Pierre Island was part General James Fannin’s military post guarding navigation on Red River which connected Texas with north east Louisiana and other northern states. A small island in the middle of Red River was occupied by a group of grave robbers who took their stock from buried caskets located at many locations throughout Texas, Louisiana and north east gulf coast states.

St. Pierre Island Climate

The island has a tropical climate, with average temperatures ranging from 73 °F (23 °C) in January to 95 °F (35 °C) in July. The annual rainfall is about 53 inches (1343 mm). There are two seasons on St-Pierre Island: the dry season and the rainy season. The dry season lasts from May to October, while the wet season occurs between November and April. The sun is scorching and rarely shines above the horizon when it rains during the wet season.

St. Pierre Island Culture

There is no school on the island, and residents must ferry to mainland Louisiana for their education. The only source of electric power on the island comes from a small generator. Residents are mainly self-sufficient and rely on fishing, farming, and logging for their income. The island remains virtually unchanged since its original settlement, and the inhabitants are primarily mixtures of Native Americans and French. The French presence on the island continues to this day but it is mostly unofficial. There are a few churches served by missionaries from the Roman Catholic Church and many residents still speak mainly French.

St. Pierre Island Politics

St- Pierre Island is divided into two homogeneous villages: Port aux Basques on the south side of the island, and Village d’Arlet on the north side. The village councils are responsible for all aspects of community life. There is no mayor or city council, because there is only one population living on the island. They just disperse on the island when necessary.

This year (2008) over 400 people from St-Pierre are trying to move onto the mainland of Southern Louisiana, at Plaquemines Parish and Terrebonne, for more government services and lower electric bills but those that remain suffer all manner of problems with lack water sewage sewer treatment due to limited resources like money no generating plant power metal lumber etc.

St. Pierre Island Government services

St-Pierre does have a small post office and hospital. There are no stores on the island, so residents must rely on boat transportation or travel to mainland Louisiana for supplies. No paved roads exist on St-Pierre, which makes transportation all the more difficult. There is not a police force in place due to lack of government funding, so police duties are mostly handled by volunteers or relatives traveling into town. The following is a documentary done on St-Pierre Island by French photographer and filmmaker Arnaud d’Auerbach from France.

St. Pierre Island Tourism

St-Pierre Island is a popular tourist destination for adventurous travelers, who enjoy exploring the remote and untouched wilderness. The island offers an unspoiled natural environment, with abundant wildlife and beautiful beaches. Visitors can explore the numerous coves, cliffs, and inlets along St-Pierre’s coastal path. There are rock formations and waterfalls throughout the island that provide ample opportunities for exploring.

St. Pierre Island Transport

A public shuttle service is offered in the form of a 15 35-passenger ferries across Lake Pontchartrain, servicing Phares Island. Stops on this route include both locations along Biloxi Bayou using three identical boats (the only means available).

The ride takes approximately 20 minutes and can be booked at any local marina or hotel. The water is always calm and, for most people, a refreshing sight. The journey across Bayou Pontchartrain can take anywhere from 15 to 20 minutes depending on the speed of the current; however it will likely not be any faster than this during high winds.

St. Pierre Island Cuisine

St-Pierre features a wide variety of cuisine, both French and Creole. There are many restaurants on the island that offer both local seafood as well as international dishes. The best times for catching a meal on St-Pierre Island would be during early morning or late evening hours, when the island’s more casual establishments have closed up for the day and only those with reservations are open. St-Pierre Island was owned by Cythais Beaudry, a French nobleman and magistrate.

St. Pierre Island Wildlife

The island is home to many different kinds of wildlife, including deer, wild hogs, and alligators. Visitors should be aware that there are certain areas on the island where hunting is allowed and they should always respect the conservation laws in place. There are also several hiking trails that can be accessed from the coastline or inland – these offer a unique way to see more of St-Pierre Island’s natural wonders.

One trail is especially popular with dog walkers. Local wildlife aside, visitors should also be mindful that the bird population is quite large on St-Pierre Island and they will come around you while you are out. There have been several sightings throughout the years of alligators in near this island’s coastline even though it is supposed to be strictly prohibited by Louisiana’s law enforcement officials.

Conclusion

Located in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, St. Pierre Island is an idyllic destination with a rich history. The island was originally inhabited by the Mi’kmaq, and was the site of a battle between the French and English in 1690. Today, visitors can enjoy wonderful hikes and views of the Gulf, as well as explore the ruins of a 17th century fort.

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FAQ

1.What Is The Population Of St. Pierre Island?

Ans: As of the 2010 census, the population was 50 people.

2.Is There A Transportation Link To Get To St. Pierre Island?

Ans: Yes, there is a small airport on the island that provides service to Baton Rouge, Louisiana and also to Pierre Part, Wisconsin.

3.Is There A General Store On St Pierre Island?

Ans: The island is covered in forest, so the small stores carry locally made goods such as food items, drinks and souvenirs.

4.Does The Island Have A Post Office?

Ans: The general store serves as the village post office. There are no other services on St Pierre Island, such as banks or police force etc., Needless to say that mail is delivered by boat periodically from Ville Platte and Baton Rouge.

5.Which Good Things To Do Are There On St Pierre Island?

Ans: visitors love cross-country hiking and horse riding, while watching the boat sail by because they might have a chance of catching some wild duck swimming in the water. Fishing is also very easy in this island as right after arriving one can find a fishing hole with bait provided nearby Saint Pierre village.