Using GIS to map the Buena Vista Plantation

Our team recently collaborated with the Louisiana Bucket Brigade, a non-profit organization in Louisiana combatting the petrochemical industry, on a document detailing the untold stories of five enslaved people buried at a historical burial site.

This area, formerly the Winchester/Buena Vista plantation, was preparing to become the victim of a proposed $9.4 billion chemical site. Fortunately, the operation was forced to shut down as it was discovered to be a burial site.

Researching excerpts from historical documents and utilizing the latest GIS mapping tools, the team developed the following map illustrating where the burial site is in relation to the larger land area of Buena Vista plantation and St. James Parish.

Map Credit: Palmetto Futures

Learn more about the history of Buena Vista, the research and methodologies used, and the untold stories of Simon, Betsy, Rachel, Stanley, and Harry here:

Buried at Buena Vista: The Untold Story of Five Enslaved People