Island Pier

As the photos show, within a few short years, this 850-foot structure went from a deep water pier, to being completely on dry land! It is the result of the Offshore Sand/Pelican Island shoal system moving east and north until it connected to Dauphin Island at this point.

To accommodate these changes, store sales were modified to more beach going supplies as well as ice cream, ice and sandwiches and other items. Fishing tackle is still available for those casting the shoreline. Benches and picnic tables were added as well as steps connecting the end of the Pier to the beach.

There is no longer an admission fee charged. The Pier and beach steps are open when the store is in operation. Besides general visitation, the facility is also available for weddings and other private functions.

Management hopes that the factors involved in this incredible movement of sand will continue and one day result in the Dauphin Island Pier again being a major fishing attraction.

It is interesting to note that this migration of Pelican Island happened in the past (but not at this exact location). When the French explored Dauphin Island in the 1600's and established it as the first capital of Louisiana Territory, one of the reasons for its selection was because it had the best deep water harbor on the Gulf Coast. This harbor was called Pelican Bay and was a result of Pelican Island making a similar connection to Dauphin Island. A devastating hurricane in 1717 completely destroyed this deep water anchorage and soon resulted in the French relocating their center of operations.