National Register Listing

DeQuincy Colored High School Gym

a.k.a. Grand Avenue High School Gym

502 S. Grand Ave., DeQuincy, LA
Local significance of the building:
Black

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2017.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

ethnic heritage black education
Audiobooks about the history of Louisiana.
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.
Louisiana random facts
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 glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history 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.