The Great Storm Timeline

Isle Dernière’s

THE GREAT STORM of 1856

Friday, August 8

2 Days Before

High waves and higer than usual tides.

Saturday, August 9

1 Day Before

Marshes around the island were submerged, animals were unsettled and The Star had difficulty sailing down the Atchafalaya through Four League Bay into Caillou Bay.

Sunday, August 10

Morning

Storm Day

The Star, having difficulty navigating, continued to the island to help those they could.

Sunday, August 10

4 pm

Storm Day

The winds shifted and the waves battered the drowning island throughout the night.

Monday, August 11

1 Day After

Nothing was left on the island.

Tuesday, August 12

2 Days After

Last Island Hurricane dissipated over southwestern Mississippi
Figured no one on mainland knew survivors were stranded
Resort guest, John Davis set out on a sailboat to the mainland
Davis arrived the Brashear City Hotel before dawn reporting that Last Island had been swept away by a storm
Help dispatched in all directions to announce calamity & crippled conditions of survivors

Wednesday, August 13

3 Days After

Help arrived from Brashear City (Morgan City)

Wednesday, August 20

10 Days After

Pirates looted valuables.

click to the right for a full, detailed timeline of the Great Storm of 1856