Settled by Indians, the Isle of the Chitamachas was later owned by Francisco Caminada and was known as Chico Isle, Chita, and Caminadaville. It was home to pirates, fishermen, and farmers. On Oct. 1, 1893, a fast moving, late season hurricane from the southwestern gulf swept in with winds, a tidal surge, and waves that destroyed all but 13 of over 300 family homes and killed over 750 of the 1500 inhabitants. Some were swept out to sea. Most were buried in mass graves in this cemetery. Some surviving relatives resettled in the area, but most moved to form new communities in Lafourche and Jefferson parishes.