Indeed photos of Gibsland in the 1940's showed a bustling industrial area-- however now, it's industry is unfortunately long gone. And that desolate road leading out of town (now called Louisiana Route 154)-- somehow seems just as quaintly situated as it did when Bonnie & Clyde made their fateful trip through the whispering Pines. Oh-- the trees were surely more dense then, and that gravel covered road likely kicked up dust with each turn of the tires-- but none the less, to this day-- that's still a conspicuously lonely trip out of town.
And as you near the ambush site-- somehow it's hard not to project yourself back in time, and attempt in vain to warn Clyde & Bonnie of their impending doom. But just as in a dream, where you're sometimes powerless to affect any difference-- when you take that final turn and view the ambush site in the distance (just as you know Bonnie & Clyde did that fateful day)-- there's no changing history. Alas, for those intensely hunted lovers responsible for so many deaths-- the end was swift and sure. But in stopping upon that hill and exiting your car-- for you, the adventure in sharing that hallowed ground with those you know both stood there victoriously and also died such a horrible death-- will stay with you forever. To experience that location in person-- I surely recommend as a priority for every Bonnie & Clyde aficionado, so wonderfully and uncontrollably hooked on this history.For reference, these photos taken by me a few years ago-- show a couple of key views of the ambush location. The 1st pic shows the view from the ambush site, back upon the famous final curve Bonnie & Clyde traveled in approaching their demise. If all was as reported??-- the Methvin truck would've been located in the Southbound lane (to the left)-- and The Barrow car (when the bullets started flying)-- would've stood in the Northbound (right hand) lane facing the camera. Although the road's been altered a bit over time-- this pic was taken quite close to ground zero.
Pic 2 is just about the closest you can position yourself today, as if within the posse laying in the weeds-- in viewing the oncoming approach route. Unfortunately, the actual spot from '34 within the blind-- has now been removed and replaced by a Conoco gas pipeline road. My position for this photo was as close to that spot as possible now. Also note, it's obvious from photos at the time-- that the surrounding Pine Forest and undergrowth were uniquely thick, and not nearly as sparse as is the reality today.
