South Lake Charles Live Cam

Lake Charles History

Lake Charles is a city located in southwestern Louisiana, United States. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Attakapas and the Opelousas. In the 18th century, the French established a trading post at the site of present-day Lake Charles.

During the American Civil War, the area was occupied by Confederate forces, and the Battle of Calcasieu Pass was fought nearby in 1864. After the war, the city began to grow, and in 1869 it was officially incorporated as a town.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Lake Charles became a center of the lumber industry, with sawmills and timber companies operating in the area. The city also became a hub for transportation, with railroads and steamboats connecting it to other parts of Louisiana and the Gulf Coast.

During World War II, Lake Charles was a major center of petroleum refining and petrochemical production, with companies such as Conoco, Citgo, and PPG Industries establishing operations in the area. This led to significant growth and development, as well as environmental concerns related to pollution and industrial waste.