1986 Map of Lake Charles

About this map

The Calasieu River and Sabine River systems dominate this mid-1980s landscape, illustrating the industrial and residential growth across the Texas-Louisiana border. The hub of Lake Charles is shown alongside industrial neighbors like Westlake, Sulphur, and Goosport, while the northern reaches transition into the pine-wooded expanses near De Quincy. This planimetric study documents the mid-century expansion of transit networks, notably the Kansas City Southern and Southern Pacific railroads which intersect the region's diverse terrain. From the protected grounds of Sam Houston Jones State Park to the small-town life in Iowa and Vidor, the map records a specific moment of coastal-plain development. Researchers can trace family history through sites like Highland Cem or observe the intricate waterways of Choupique Island and Turner Island.