Historical Markers in
Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana

44th Air Refueling Squadron Adolphus W. Greely Albert Weisbogel All Saints Episcopal Church Ball's Auditorium Barbe Pier Bilbo Cemetery Cantonment Atkinson Captain Daniel Johannes Goos Charles W. Anderson Christian Science Civil War Memorial Douglas B. Fournet Edward Schowalter, Jr. Emanual Stance Gerstner Field Goldband Studio Hampton M. Roach Homer L. Wise Howard Gilmore Hulon Brooks Whittington Jean Laffite Jefferson J. DeBlanc John Osborne John R. Kane John Williams Kansas City Southern Depot Killen Field LaGrange High School Lake Charles 9/11 Memorial Lake Charles High School Kilties Leroy Johnson Lost Railroad Stations Louisiana Baptist Orphanage Majestic Hotel Martin Freeman Michael J. Novasel Newport Industries Raymond M. Clausen St. Charles Academy Steven L. Bennet The Arcade Theatre and Miller Building, the Paramount and the Weber Building The Henning Family The Old Confederate Military Road Theodore S. Wilkinson Jr. Thomas J. Ryan Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Louisiana was originally a French colony, named after King Louis XIV of France. The area was first explored by the French explorer Rene-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, in 1682.
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Calcasieu Parish, located in the southwestern region of Louisiana, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Native American tribes, such as the Attakapas and Coushatta, were the original inhabitants of the area. In the 18th century, explorers and settlers from European countries began to establish trading posts and plantations along the Calcasieu River.

The region played a significant role in the colonial era when the French established Fort Saint Jean Baptiste in 1720 near Lake Charles. The fort served as a trading post and played a vital role in the fur trade with Native American tribes. In the early 19th century, the Spanish took control of the area after the Louisiana Purchase and established the district of Calcasieu.

During the antebellum period, Calcasieu Parish saw rapid growth, primarily driven by the expansion of the sugar industry and the arrival of new settlers. Plantations flourished along the fertile lands surrounding the Calcasieu River, utilizing enslaved labor. The region's economy also benefited from transportation advancements, such as steamboats.

The Civil War had a profound impact on Calcasieu Parish, as it disrupted the plantation economy and resulted in the emancipation of enslaved individuals. Reconstruction brought significant changes to the region, including political and social reforms. The lumber industry began to emerge, taking advantage of the abundant pine forests in the area.

In the 20th century, Calcasieu Parish continued to grow and diversify its economy. The discovery of oil and gas reserves in the region led to the establishment of refineries and petrochemical plants, making Lake Charles an important industrial hub. The area also developed a thriving tourism industry, attracting visitors to its beaches, parks, and cultural events.

Today, Calcasieu Parish remains an integral part of Louisiana's economy, with industries such as energy, manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism continuing to contribute to its growth and prosperity. The region's rich history is celebrated through various cultural festivals and museums, preserving the legacy of its diverse past.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana.

  • 1805 - William Johnson explores the Calcasieu River.
  • 1817 - The Adams-Onís Treaty is signed, establishing the Sabine River as the boundary between Louisiana and Texas, and the Calcasieu District is formed.
  • 1830 - Calcasieu Parish is officially established.
  • 1852 - Lake Charles is designated as the parish seat.
  • 1861-1865 - Calcasieu Parish is affected by the American Civil War.
  • 1870 - The first courthouse in Lake Charles is completed.
  • 1884 - The first shipment of sulphur is exported from Calcasieu Parish.
  • 1911 - The Port of Lake Charles is officially established.
  • 1918-1919 - The Great Fire of 1910 affects Calcasieu Parish.
  • 1930s-1940s - The oil and gas industry booms in Calcasieu Parish.
  • 1995 - Hurricane Audrey causes significant damage to the area.
  • 2005 - Hurricane Rita causes widespread destruction in Calcasieu Parish.