Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge, National Wildlife Refuge in St. Francisville, Louisiana.
The refuge spans 9,623 acres of bottomland hardwood forests, cypress-tupelo swamps, sloughs, and ponds along the Mississippi River's southernmost portion.
The Nature Conservancy of Louisiana purchased the land in 2000, establishing it as the 526th refuge in the United States National Wildlife Refuge System.
The wetland habitats and surrounding landscape maintain deep connections to the Tunica and Choctaw peoples, who continue their presence in Louisiana.
Access to the refuge depends on Mississippi River water levels, with vehicular entry permitted when the gauge reading falls below 26 feet.
The refuge contains a national champion bald cypress tree measuring 96 feet tall, with a 17-foot diameter and 56-foot circumference, dating back 1,500 years.
Location: Louisiana
Inception: 2000
Website: https://fws.gov/refuge/cat_island
GPS coordinates: 30.79170,-91.49170
Latest update: March 3, 2025 10:17
Mississippi preserves sites that trace the state's history from indigenous settlements through the Civil War and the civil rights movement. The Windsor Ruins stand as remnants of an antebellum mansion, while the Old Capitol Museum documents legislative history. The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in Jackson presents the struggle for racial equality, and the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale explores the origins of American blues music. Visitors can examine the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians and Winterville Mounds, which provide evidence of precolonial cultures. Natural areas range from the pine forests of De Soto National Forest to the coastal waters surrounding Ship Island. Tishomingo State Park offers trails through forested hills, while Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge protects habitat for migratory birds. Cultural sites such as Rowan Oak, William Faulkner's residence, and Longwood, an unfinished octagonal mansion in Natchez, complement the historical and natural attractions across the state.
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