The history of the island dates back to the early 1800’s.  

1800

The history of the island dates back to the early 1800’s when it was purchased by Walter Brashear, a surgeon, sugar-planter, an exporter of ginseng to China, and member of the Louisiana legislature. He lived with his wife and children as he milled sugar on the island.

1890

In the late 1890's, the island was explored by Capt. Anthony Lucas who studied the occurrence of salt, its movements, and the presence of oil associated with salt. 

1940

Starting in the early 1940s, Belle Isle was one of the first sites in Louisiana for oil drilling. The Belle Isle Field was once one of the largest oil and gas fields in Louisiana.

1962

In 1962, Cargill Inc. started the Belle Isle salt mine at 1,200 ft below sea level. The mine was a little over one-half mile in diameter when it was abandoned and purposely flooded in 1985. 

2001

In 2001, Belle Isle, LLC was formed with a mission to protect, enhance and restore the island to its natural state while maintaining its historical and environmental significance.