Lake Charles

by The Linguist

Lake Charles, Louisiana

Lake Charles is a city located in southwest Louisiana along Interstate 10 and has a population of over 78,000 residents as of the 2020 census. It is the fifth largest city in Louisiana and the largest city in Calcasieu Parish.

History

Lake Charles was founded in 1867 by merchant Henry Moss after he purchased the land from a local Calcasieu Parish cattle farmer. The area was attractive due to its natural transport route via waterways like the Calcasieu River, which flows into the nearby Gulf of Mexico. Moss founded a town at the western end of Lake Charles after completing a dock there in 1867. He named it after the lake, which was named after Charles Sallier, who had earlier claimed the land.

The city grew as the timber industry flourished in the late 19th century. Lake Charles soon became a shipping port for lumber and, later, for rice and sulfur. The arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad further cemented its position as a regional hub. Major construction projects like the Lake Charles Harbor and Terminal District helped drive further economic development in the first half of the 20th century. Today, the petrochemical industry dominates the local economy.

For more information on the history of Lake Charles, visit the City of Lake Charles website.

Economy

Lake Charles has a robust regional economy largely focused on the petrochemical industry, tourism, gaming, and agriculture. Many major national and international companies have industrial facilities in the area, including PPG Industries, Citgo, ConocoPhillips, and Westlake Chemical. The Port of Lake Charles is one of the busiest seaports in the country.

Tourism is also a major contributor to the local economy, driven by gaming establishments like the Isle of Capri casino and attractions like the Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu. Contraband Bayou Golf Club hosts a PGA tour event annually.

Rice farming and crawfishing remain important agricultural activities. For more on the Lake Charles economy, visit the economic development page on the city’s website.

Attractions and Landmarks

Some of the top attractions and landmarks in Lake Charles include:

  • Lake Charles Civic Center – 900 Lakeshore Dr, Lake Charles, LA 70601. A multi-purpose arena and convention center located downtown along the lakefront.
  • Mardi Gras Museum – 809 Kirby St, Lake Charles, LA 70601. Celebrates the history of Mardi Gras in Lake Charles and throughout Cajun Country.
  • Contraband Bayou Golf Club – 520 Richard Pryor Dr, Lake Charles, LA 70615. A championship 18-hole golf course that has hosted PGA events.
  • Central School Arts and Humanities Center – 809 Kirby St, Lake Charles, LA 70601. Home of the Arts Council of Southwest Louisiana and a hub for local arts and culture.
  • Isle of Capri Casino – 100 Isle of Capri Circle, Lake Charles, LA 70601. One of the largest casinos in the region with slots, table games, dining, and entertainment.

McNeese State University

McNeese State University is located at 4205 Ryan St, Lake Charles, LA 70605. Founded in 1939, McNeese is part of the University of Louisiana system and has an enrollment of over 8,000 students. The 180-acre main campus includes a performing arts theater, student union, and the Cowboy athletics facilities. McNeese is especially known for its engineering, nursing, education, and business programs.

For more on McNeese State University, visit their website.

Demographics

According to 2020 census data, Lake Charles has a population of 78,659 residents. Key demographic statistics include:

  • Median Age: 34.4 years
  • Male Population: 49.5%
  • Female Population: 50.5%
  • Median Household Income: $36,975
  • Persons Below Poverty Level: 22.7%
  • White Alone: 47.0%
  • Black or African American Alone: 41.7%
  • Hispanic or Latino: 8.4%

Lake Charles experienced a slight population decline between 2010 and 2020 due to economic factors.

Government

Lake Charles uses a mayor-council form of government. The current mayor is Nic Hunter, who was first elected in 2020. The city council consists of 5 members representing individual districts. They serve 4 year terms.

Contact information for Lake Charles city government:

City of Lake Charles
326 Pujo St
Lake Charles, LA 70601
Phone: (337) 491-1440

Visit the City of Lake Charles website to learn more about city departments and services.

Transportation

Lake Charles Regional Airport provides commercial air service to the region. Major highways include Interstate 10 and Interstate 210. Public transportation is provided by Lake Charles Transit, which operates bus routes throughout the area. The city also operates a downtown trolley service.

Education

Public education in Lake Charles is provided by Calcasieu Parish Public Schools. The district operates 34 elementary schools, 16 middle schools, 9 high schools, and 7 special program schools. Total enrollment is approximately 33,000 students.

Calcasieu Parish School Board
3310 Broad Street
Lake Charles, LA 70615
Phone: (337) 217-4000
Website

In addition to McNeese State University, post-secondary schools include SOWELA Technical Community College, located at 3820 Sen. J. Bennett Johnston Ave, Lake Charles, LA 70615.

Health Care

Major medical facilities in Lake Charles include:

  • Christus Ochsner St. Patrick Hospital – 524 Dr. Michael Debakey Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601
  • Lake Charles Memorial Hospital – 1701 Oak Park Blvd, Lake Charles, LA 70601
  • West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital – 701 Cypress Street, Sulphur, LA 70663
  • Lake Charles VA Health Care System – 1611 10th Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601

Sports and Recreation

Lake Charles is home to the Lake Charles Lakers minor league baseball team, who play at Nelson Field located at 1290 Gulf Hwy, Lake Charles, LA 70607. Visit the Lakers website for schedule and ticket information.

The city also has many parks and recreation facilities including recreational centers, tennis courts, splash pads, disc golf, and trails. Major parks include Civic Center Grounds Park downtown and Prien Lake Park.

For information on recreational opportunities, visit the city parks and recreation department website.

Facebook

You can find additional community information and events by visiting the Lake Charles Facebook page.

Additional Local Resources

Here are some additional local resources and websites that provide information on the Lake Charles area:

Map of Lake Charles

This embed of a Google Map shows Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Landmarks

Central School Arts and Humanities Center

809 Kirby St, Lake Charles, LA 70601
30.217365, -93.216838

Contraband Bayou Golf Club

520 Richard Pryor Dr, Lake Charles, LA 70615
30.148294, -93.342766

Lake Charles Civic Center

900 Lakeshore Dr, Lake Charles, LA 70601
30.226411, -93.208203

The above include addresses and GPS coordinates for 3 well-known landmarks in Lake Charles.