Discover the History of Grand Isle
Explore the rich history and architectural beauty of Grand Isle, where every corner tells a story of resilience and heritage.
A Legacy of History and Heritage
Grand Isle stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Coastal Louisiana. This barrier island, shaped by the Mississippi River’s alluvial deposits, has been a haven for diverse cultures since the Chitimacha tribe first settled here. The Spanish land grants of the 1780s marked the beginning of agricultural prosperity, while the 19th century saw the rise of Grand Isle as a sought-after resort destination. Despite the devastation of the 1893 hurricane, the island’s oak chenier forests protected its historic homes, preserving a unique architectural legacy that continues to captivate visitors today.
Grand Isle is home to a remarkable collection of historic homes that reflect the island’s rich cultural and architectural heritage. Many of these Creole-style raised cottages date back to the 1800s and were built to withstand storms and flooding, with wide porches, high ceilings, and sturdy construction. These homes—passed down through generations—tell the story of fishermen, farmers, and families who made a life on this barrier island. From the 1798 St. Aubin-Rigaud House to the 1930s-era Oleander Hotel, each structure offers a glimpse into Grand Isle’s past and its enduring resilience.
Explore Our Historic Homes
Chighizola House
112 Medical Lane
Built in the late 1880s by Albano Chighizola, this classic Creole raised cottage is still owned by his granddaughter, Ethel Chighizola.
DeMolle House
105 Adam Lane
Dating back to the 1880s, this home was relocated from the island’s east end and is now owned by the Talbot family.
Oleander Hotel
166–176 Ludwig Lane
Built between 1928 and 1931, this 29-room hotel welcomed guests with Gulf views, seafood, and fresh French bread.
Town Hall
170 Ludwig Lane
Built in 1919 as Louisiana’s first Coast Guard station, this bungalow-style building now serves as Town Hall, raised on concrete piers for storm resilience.
Old Our Lady of the Isle Catholic Church
Corner of Church & Ludwig Lanes
Moved from Cheniere Caminada after the 1893 hurricane, this “old” church was built in 1918 and became an official parish in 1933.
Legend of the Bell
195 Ludwig Lane
First cast in 1881 with gold and silver from parishioners, this historic bell survived the 1893 storm, vanished, and was rediscovered in 1918 in Westwego. It now hangs in its current spot since 1977.
Old Ludwig Store and Hotel
212 Medical Lane
Built in 1857, this store once housed a post office and hotel. It was known for terrapin pens in the marsh and was later a grocery store into the 1980s.
Crosby Home
238 Coulon Rigaud Lane
Originally built circa 1840 and relocated here in 1880, each board was marked and reassembled with pegs. The brick path was salvaged from another historic home.
St. Aubin-Rigaud House
End of Coulon Rigaud Lane
Built in 1798, this is Grand Isle’s oldest home. It’s currently owned by the Santiny family.
Adam-Minnich House
195 Coulon Rigaud Lane
Built in the 1890s and now owned by Charlotte Roy, this home has stood the test of time.
Robbin House
176 Coulon Rigaud Lane
Originally two homes, this property was combined after the 1916 hurricane.
Calais’ Sanctuary
218 Nacarri Lane
This 1860s home and neighborhood store was restored by the Calais family in the 1990s and is now a bird sanctuary.
Poche House
102 ½ Community Lane
Built in 1875 by Edward Nacarri, this home became a makeshift church after the 1893 hurricane destroyed the island’s Catholic church.
Caillot’s Villa
130 Community Lane
Built around 1890 by the Nacarri Bros. for the Verdon family, the home was bought in 1915 by the Caillot family and remains in the family today.
Adam-Kirby Home
142B Community Lane
Also built by the Nacarri Bros. in the 1860s, it’s now owned by Paula Heap.
The Chateau
Down Post Lane
Dating back to 1858, this home has belonged to the Thomas family of Rayne, LA since the 1920s.
Hirvin Barthelemy House
104 Wolfpack Lane, off Post Lane
Built in the 1880s for the Rigaud family, the home was later purchased by the Barthelemy family in the 1980s.
Thayer Home
End of 198 Cemetery Lane
Built in the 1870s by Alcide Landry, it’s now owned by Karl and Sherrie Thayer.
Valence House
205 Cemetery Lane
Constructed in 1888 for the Lee family and later home to Mayor Andy Valence, it is currently being restored.
Grand Isle Cemetery
100 Landry Lane
Established in the 1870s, the cemetery holds whitewashed tombs of early French and Spanish settlers and descendants of Lafitte’s men.
Historical Evolution of Grand Isle
Grand Isle’s rich history is a tapestry of cultural influences and natural resilience. From its early days as a Chitimacha hunting ground to a thriving community of diverse settlers, the island has seen transformative events that have shaped its identity.
'1780s
Spanish Land Grants
The Spanish government divided the island into four land grants, laying the foundation for agricultural development and trade.
'1866
Harvey Hotel Opens
The opening of the Harvey Hotel marked the beginning of Grand Isle as a popular resort destination for affluent New Orleanians.
'1893
Chenier Caminada Hurricane
A devastating hurricane destroyed much of the island, leading to a period of rebuilding and resilience among the community.
'1931
Construction of the Highway
The completion of a highway connected Grand Isle to the mainland, ushering in a new era of accessibility and growth.