The town was first incorporated in 1857 as Charleston, after an early settler, Charles Sallier. There are also urban tales he had planned to name the settlement Nouveau Cadix (New Cádiz)', after the city in Spain, but this is uncertain. Eliche had also founded other outposts and towns in Louisiana prior, most notably Marksville, which is named after him. Long before incorporation and even before the Louisiana Purchase, other names for Lake Charles were Porte du Lafitte (Port of Jean Lafitte) or Rivière Lafitte (River Lafitte/Lafitte's River), among many other names now lost.

He had arrived in Louisiana after hitchhiking and was invited onto a Spanish vessel due to his determination and loyalty to volunteer and work freely for the Spanish Empire. He was a Sephardic Jewish trader of either Basque-Spanish or Venetian-Italian origins. Lake Charles was founded by merchant and tradesman Marco Eliche (or Marco de Élitxe) as an outpost. On March 7, 1861, Lake Charles was incorporated as the town of Charleston, Louisiana. Most notable among them are Mardi Gras, the Louisiana Pirate Festival, the Black Heritage Festival, the Cajun Music & Food Festival and the Louisiana Fur & Wildlife Festival (where attendees can see unique events including the trap-setting and oyster-shucking competitions).” Begin your explorations here, and you never know where they might lead.Main article: History of Lake Charles, Louisiana Ryan Street in Lake Charles, 1903 Downtown Lake Charles, c. According to Visit Louisiana, “More than 75 festivals are on the calendar annually. It has named itself the Festival Capital of Louisiana, and it has a strong case.

In addition to museums, casino resorts, and local restaurants, the city of Lake Charles is also a destination for festivals.

Golf pristine links or sip local brews, take an eco-tour or lounge along a lakeside beach–you'll find some surprises among the expected fare here. Don't miss Lake Charles, a place with a lot to entertain you on a weekend trip. From the glaze of shiny new casino resorts to the rippling surfaces of ancient rivers and lakes, there's plenty to explore in Southwest Louisiana.

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