History of Lake Charles, Louisiana
Lake Charles (French language|French: Lac Charles) is the fifth largest incorporated city in the US state of Louisiana. It is the major cultural and educational center in the southwest region of the state and one of the most important in Acadiana. As of the 2000 census|U.S. census, Lake Charles population was 71,757. The city serves as the parish seat of Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana|Calcasieu Parish.
Lake Charles is the principal city of the Lake Charles Metropolitan Statistical Area, which includes the parishes of Calcasieu and Cameron Parish, Louisiana|Cameron. It is also part of the larger Lake Charles-Jennings Combined Statistical Area.
The city is considered a major petrochemical refining center, casino|gaming center, and home to McNeese State University.
With over 75 festivals held annually, Lake Charles is referred to as the Festival Capital of Louisiana.
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