Lake Charles Historic District, historic district in Lake Charles, Louisiana, United States
The Lake Charles Historic District is a neighborhood in Louisiana featuring old residences and storefronts built between the 1870s and 1940s. Bounded by streets like Iris, Hodges, Lawrence, and Louisiana, the area spans roughly 20 blocks and displays various architectural styles including Bungalow, Craftsman, and Colonial Revival designs.
The area developed during a lumber boom in the late 1800s and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990. This period of rapid growth left behind a collection of buildings that have remained largely intact through preservation efforts.
Known locally as the Charpentier District, the name comes from the French word for carpenter, reflecting the skilled craftsmen who built many of these homes. Walking through the streets, you can see how ordinary families and business owners shaped the city through their daily lives and work.
The district is easy to explore on foot with walkways between the old homes and shops lining the streets. Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the architectural details and historical surroundings at your own pace.
The Church of the Good Shepherd, built in 1896, stands separately as its own historic landmark and reflects the spiritual life of the early community. This classic building design represents the religious architecture that shaped the district alongside the residential homes.
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