1955 Map of Lake Charles

About this map

Lake Charles dominates this mid-century survey, revealing a landscape defined by postwar expansion and the industrial demands of the Gulf Coast. The presence of Lake Charles Air Force Base and institutions like McNeese State College reflect the city's growth, while the surrounding wetlands are carved by the Intracoastal Waterway and the Calcasieu River. Moving away from the urban center, the map illustrates the region's reliance on mineral extraction, marked by the Iowa Oil and Gas Field and the Holmwood Oil and Gas Field. Rural life remains anchored by family and faith, evidenced by scattered landmarks such as Sweet Lake Ch, St Marys Ch, and the Grand Lake Sch. The intricate network of coulees like Kayouche Coulee and Hippolyte Coulee highlights the complex drainage of the Petit Bois and Plateau regions.