Louisiana · LA
Lake Charles
A Calcasieu River city of refineries, casinos and pirates' festivals.
- Population
- 84,872 (2020 census)
- Reincorporated
- March 16, 1867
- 2020 hurricanes
- Laura and Delta
Then
- 1800s
The town takes its name from early settler Charles Sallier. It incorporates as Charleston in 1861 and as Lake Charles in 1867.
- 2005
Hurricane Rita heavily damages the city.
- 2020
Hurricane Laura, a Category 4, strikes on August 26–27, and Hurricane Delta follows on October 9.
Now
The Calcasieu Ship Channel brings ocean ships up from the Gulf, and the area is a center of petrochemicals, LNG and Louisiana's biggest casino market. Each May the Louisiana Pirate Festival opens with Jean Lafitte “capturing” the city.
4 tide stations around Lake Charles
- Lake Charlesin town
- Calcasieu Ship Channel, Bulk Terminal5.6 mi
- East Calcasieu Lake16.4 mi
- Gum Cove, ICWW21.6 mi