Calcasieu Parish and the community of Lake Charles has a rich, french heritage. The first people to settle the lake were Mr. and Mrs. LeBleu of Bordeaux, France. They arrived in 1781 and secured their home six miles east of the present site of Lake Charles, living in peaceful coexistence with several tribes of Indians. This area originally settled by the LeBleu's is now known as LeBleu Settlement.

Other pioneers quickly ventured to Lake Charles. Among them was Charles Sallier who married LeBleu's daughter, Catherine. The Sallier's built their home on the lake, in the area now known as Lake Charles. After Charles Sallier built his home in this area, the lake became known as Charlie's Lake. By 1860 this area was being called "Charleston" or "Charles Town."

Lake Charles has come a long way since its first settlers.  Today, almost 80,000 people call the City of Lake Charles home.

The seat of Calcasieu Parish, Lake Charles is located along I-10 about 70 miles west of Lafayette, near the Texas border, approximately 2 hours drive to Houston, Texas or 3 hours drive to New Orleans, Louisiana.   Although accessible to oceangoing vessels, the port of Lake Charles sits about 35 miles inland from the Gulf of Mexico.  The town hosts the Contraband Days Festival in May, the Cajun French Music and Food Festival in July, and the Calca "Chew" Food Festival in September.  Year-round attractions include the Historic "Charpentier" District, and the 1,068-acre Sam Houston Jones State Park, as well as Cajun restaurants and casinos.  Lake Charles is home to McNeese State University, which has an enrollment of about 8,000.